Interestingly, a minor decorative change in the office of the Chief of the Army Staff has drawn significant controversy, with many national newspapers covering the story. The painting of the iconic surrender of the Pakistani Army in the 1971 war has been replaced with a painting titled 'Karam Kshetra' created by an Army officer. Set against the backdrop of Pangong Tso Lake, the new painting depicts Arjuna’s chariot and Chanakya in his characteristic pose, among modern military equipment.
One of the former Army commanders has been extremely caustic, tweeting, "We are hitting the 'absolute pits,'" while many others have commented adversely on social media. The replacement of an artwork depicting the historic victory over Pakistan would have definitely caused genuine anguish for many veterans, but they also know that this picture holds a place of pride in almost every significant location related to the Indian Army, and the office of the Army Chief is just one of them. They also understand that removing this painting from one such location does not diminish the significance of that momentous occasion. What has likely irked them is the religious undertone of the image.
The Army has not provided any official clarification; however, some newspapers have reported that the painting reflects the Indian Army's capability to operate in a high-tech environment in conjunction with the Navy and Air Force. Some analysts have also suggested that it signifies the Army's new focus on the northern borders. Whatever the reason, it is fair to say that the Chief of the Indian Army has the liberty to change the decor of his office as he sees fit. There is no need to see any ulterior motives in this act and distract his attention from the security threats that the country face and the current challenges of modernisation and reorganisation.
It is well known that the Indian Army has deep secular foundations, and its personnel are judged on their competence, not their religion or ethnicity. There are numerous examples of officers and soldiers from minority communities achieving professional excellence. The proportion of such positive stories in the Indian Army is likely far higher than in the Indian corporate sector or even in Western democracies. This is despite the fact that the Indian Army, a legacy of the British, is organised along regional, religious, and caste lines. A picture of Arjuna’s chariot or that of the Indian strategist Chanakya in the Army Chief’s office is unlikely to alter the secular nature of the Indian Army, just as the Maltese cross on the berets of the soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles or Rajputana Rifles has not changed their ethos.
READ MORE: Amid controversy, iconic 1971 surrender painting finds a new home
The combination of well-trained officers with strong leadership qualities and soldiers who have faith in their clan, religion, and country have made Indian Army units formidable fighting forces, respected worldwide. We all know how the Biharis fought in Galwan, the Sikhs in Saragarhi, the Aheers in Rezangla, the Garhwalis in Jaswantgarh, the Jats in Dograi, and so on. Indian Army officers possess another quality: a progressive Western mindset, which makes them professional, fair, and balanced leaders, but also aloof and disconnected from the realities of the country. This mindset has also hindered them from embracing the strengths of Indian philosophy, political thought, and warfighting strategies. Hindi has not replaced Queen's English as the lingua franca, except symbolically in the names of exercises and war games. Therefore, opposition to Chanakya’s picture and referring to it as “hitting the absolute pits” reflects this mindset.
Some argue that the Indian Army has remained secular and distanced from politics because of this mindset. They also reason that “Indianisation” could lead to the de facto “Hinduisation” of the Indian Army. While this may be a valid concern, the disadvantages of remaining aloof and disconnected from the masses have prevented the Indian Army from becoming the 'People’s Army'. Not a single member of Parliament today comes from an Army background, leaving no one to raise the genuine concerns of its soldiers.
The ultimate goal of the Indian Army should be to remain a professional force capable of safeguarding India’s security interests. To achieve this, it must focus on substantial issues, and prepare for significant improvements in its organisation, work culture, modernisation, and adaptation of technology. The responsibility for guiding the Army through these challenges lies with the current leadership. They would do well by stepping out of their comfort zones, exploring new ideas, and remaining open to change.
Veterans, an integral part of the Army eco-system have always contributed positively towards the growth of the Army. At this critical time when major organisational reforms are imminent, their support and suggestions are required for a smooth and efficient transition. Focusing on discussions related to uniforms, messes, parades, and formalities will only hold our Army back and are best avoided.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
