May 5, 2025 5:50 pm
Full News

Painting of 1971 Surrender Replaced in Indian Army Chief’s Lounge, Veterans Express Dismay


A new painting in the Indian Army Chief’s lounge, replacing the iconic image of the 1971 Bangladesh war surrender, has sparked discontent among military veterans. The lounge, a space where the Army Chief hosts visiting dignitaries, now features a painting titled Karam Kshetra – Field of Deeds, created by Lt. Col. Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment.
The New Artwork: A Modern Narrative
Army sources explain that the painting aims to depict the Indian Army as a “guardian of Dharma,” representing justice and the protection of the nation’s core values. The artwork highlights the Army’s evolution into a technologically advanced and integrated force, blending ancient Indian philosophical wisdom with modern military might.
Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the painting showcases the Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh on the right and iconic symbols like Garuda, Krishna’s chariot, and Chanakya on the left. It also incorporates modern military assets such as tanks, all-terrain vehicles, patrol boats, indigenous Light Combat Helicopters, and Apache attack helicopters.
“This painting symbolizes a country with a rich civilization that has always stood for righteous causes and just use of force,” Army sources said. “It portrays an Army that draws inspiration from the teachings of the Mahabharata and the strategic insights of Chanakya, embodying leadership, diplomacy, and modern warfare.”
The painting is seen as part of a larger effort to integrate India’s ancient strategic philosophies into contemporary military frameworks. This initiative seeks to establish an “indigenous strategic vocabulary” rooted in Indian philosophy and culture while highlighting the Army’s readiness to face future challenges.
Veterans Question the Change
The decision to replace the iconic 1971 surrender image has not been without criticism. The replaced photograph captured Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi of the Pakistan Army signing the instrument of surrender before Lt. Gen. J.S. Aurora of the Indian Army, marking the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War. This moment not only symbolized the birth of Bangladesh but also represented India’s first major military victory in over a millennium.
On social media, retired military officials voiced their concerns. Former Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. H.S. Panag commented, “The photo/painting symbolising India’s first major military victory in 1,000 years has been removed by a hierarchy which believes that mythology, religion, and a fragmented feudal past will inspire future victories.”
Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Singh (Retd.) echoed the sentiment, questioning the intent behind the move. “Dignitaries and military heads of other countries meet the Army Chief here and see the symbol of the GREATEST EVENT IN INDIA’s & Indian Army’s history. Now, this ham-handed effort—at what?”
Another veteran lamented, “We are hitting the ‘absolute pits.’”
Balancing Legacy and Modernity
The move appears to be part of a broader strategy to emphasize India’s ancient wisdom and cultural heritage alongside its modern military capabilities. However, the removal of the 1971 surrender image, a moment deeply entrenched in India’s military history, raises questions about how the Army balances its historical legacy with the evolving narrative it wishes to project.
While the new painting aims to reflect the Army’s readiness for future challenges and its alignment with national values, veterans argue that the iconic image of 1971 serves as an irreplaceable reminder of the Army’s sacrifices and achievements. For now, the debate over this change underscores the delicate interplay between tradition and modernity in shaping the Indian Army’s identity.
Source: The Hindu

Related News
TikTok Appeals to Supreme Court to Block US Ban on App, Citing National Security Concerns
Russia Offers Mediation as US-Iran Tensions Escalate
Putin Blames U.S. for Global Instability
India slams Canada for linking minister Amit Shah to Sikh separatist plot
Are Militants in Manipur Using Starlink Satellite Internet?
Illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya Immigrants to be Deported: Amit Shah
Related Posts
Pakistan Accuses India of Violating Indus Waters Treaty, Prepares Formal Notice
India Suspends Indus Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
Myanmar Junta May Weaponize Nuclear Power Plant, Warns UN Envoy
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Following Pahalgam Attack
Trump Announces 100% Tariff on All Foreign Films
UN Security Council to Hold Closed-Door Meeting Today Over India-Pakistan Tensions
More News

Syrian Christians Celebrate Christmas Under Islamist Rule Amid Security Concerns

DAMASCUS – Syrian Christians gathered for Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24 for the first time since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, marking an early test of the new Islamist rulers’ promises to safeguard the rights of religious minorities. At the Lady of Damascus Church in the capital, worshippers of all ages […]

84 Killed in a Day by Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza

In the span of 24 hours from Thursday evening to Friday evening, Israeli airstrikes killed 84 Palestinians and injured at least 168 others in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry noted that the actual number of casualties may be higher, as many people remain trapped under rubble and […]

German Intelligence Warns of Kremlin’s Preparations for Possible NATO Conflict

April 20, 2025 – Berlin, Germany: German intelligence sources have reportedly assessed that the Kremlin is preparing strategies for a potential conflict with NATO by the end of this decade, according to a report by the German publication Bild.Growing Concerns Over Russian Military StrategyThe report suggests that Moscow is actively developing military plans that could […]

‘No need’ to advise Mbappe on offside

The French star himself knows how to avoid Barcelona’s offside trap, says Fede Valverde Kylian Mbappe was absolutely lackluster in the first Clasico of his career. In addition to wasting one opportunity after another, he was trapped in the offside trap many times. Before another Clasico, his club team-mate Fede Valverde says he does not […]

Indo-Bangladesh Conflict: the Perspective

Sujan Bhattacharyya Part- 1 Two countries having a long tie of cordiality is now exchanging serious abuses. Each one is eyeing the other as the gravest enemy. Conflict between them is aggravating day by day. Yes, we are speaking of India and Bangladesh. It is a matter of fact that anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment is […]

Dastagir Jahangir Exposes Controversial Extremist Links of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, Presses U.S. State Department

Bangladesh’s current interim government, increasingly labeled as an illegal administration backed by extremist Islamists and militants, has sparked global outrage. The controversy deepened with revelations about Mahfuj Alam, an aide to Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus, whose connections to extremist groups like Hizb-ut-Tahrir have resurfaced through his social media activities and past affiliations.Mahfuz is the most […]

Unilever CEO Resigns

Unilever’s CEO Hein Schumacher has suddenly resigned. On Tuesday (February 25), the company announced in a statement that Unilever’s Chief Financial Officer, Fernando Fernandez, will replace Schumacher. Fernandez will take over his new responsibilities starting March 1. Unilever Chairman Ian Meakins stated in the announcement that the board was impressed by Fernando’s effective and results-oriented […]

Palestinian Authority Must Govern Gaza After War, Says PM Mohammad Mustafa

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa declared that the Palestinian Authority must be the sole governing power in Gaza after the war, during a conference in Norway on January 15, 2025. His statement comes as expectations grow for a deal to halt fighting and start returning Israeli hostages. The negotiations have focused on an immediate ceasefire […]

India Raises Alarms Over Chinese Hydropower Dam on Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet

On Friday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs revealed that it has formally conveyed its concerns to the Chinese government regarding the construction of a colossal hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. The river, known as the Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh, is a vital lifeline for millions across South Asia, flowing […]

Genocide of Bengali Intellectuals in 1971

Engineer M. Hossain  “We name people Jews or Gypsies, or distinguish them by colors or dress, and apply them to members of groups.” Dr. Gregory H. Stanton articulated the given instance to explain “symbolization,” which is one stage of genocide. This stage is concerned with providing names or symbols to the members of a particular […]