Symbols have an intangible value as they represent some important facets of life. Leaders use the resulting symbolism smartly to message their views. It is for this reason that the recent removal of a painting, a symbol of an iconic moment in modern India’s military history, from the Indian Army Chief’s office complex, in New Delhi, generated a nationwide surge of emotions.
The painting, of the surrender of the Pakistani Army to India in the 1971 war, has been relocated to a conference centre named after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. But the incident highlights the importance of valuing symbols for their quality and effect; this is vital, considering the ongoing ‘drive’ in the military to induct-in learnings that are connected to a distant past. In this drive it must be remembered that history is truth, taken as a whole, and any segmented adoption will lead to skewed learning.
As the dust settles on the angst raised by the removal of the painting, some facets of symbols and the associated symbolism need evaluation. Five important ones stand out — identity, leadership, direction, faith and competency. A few examples would suffice.
Other examples
When Israel was established, the swearing-in of military recruits took place after a gruelling desert march to Fort Masada where they took a vow to protect their country. It symbolised a ‘never give in’ attitude born from the spirit of a group of 960 Jews who, in 73 CE, fought to the end against the Romans. ‘Masada’ has become a symbol of the identity of an Israeli soldier.
On April 17, 2012, The Washington Post wrote: “An aerial art show pulled thousands of Washingtonians out of their offices, vehicles and homes on Tuesday morning [April 17] as NASA’S space shuttle Discovery blew into town atop a modified 747, the battered space veteran taking a final victory jaunt [after finishing its useful life] before landing at Dulles International Airport… There were costumes, there were cheers and, of course, there were tears.” That ‘flypast’ was symbolic of national pride in the leadership position of the American space programme.
Sometimes, leaders remind themselves of the import of their position. U.S. President Harry S. Truman had a table placard that read, ‘The Buck Stops Here’. And, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had the famous lines of ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost on his table: ‘The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.’ They were reminders to the two heads of state but, symbolically, had another purpose — the ‘knowledge’ of the positioning of these placards on the leader’s desk was a subtle direction to their countrymen of their duty too.
Duty is visible, in a unique way, at the Base Camp of Siachen Glacier (the highest battlefield in the world) where there is a shrine of ‘OP Baba’. Who O.P. Baba was is not known but the tale of him beating back the enemy, single handed, at Malaum post is legendary. The battalion moving up the Glacier reports to the Baba and seeks his blessings for a safe time on the treacherous glacier.
On its de-induction, the battalion reports to him again and thanks him. O.P. Baba, thus, is a symbol of faith in the almighty by soldiers of all religions and a conviction that all will be well.
The importance of 1971
In independent India’s history, December 16, 1971 is a red-letter day when India won a resounding victory against Pakistan. Measured against any parameter, the painting of the surrender ceremony is iconic and has come to represent the pinnacle of India’s military and political competency. For sure all services were deeply involved but it was the Army jawan who led the foray, resulting in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers. The iconic scene is seared in the memories of all Indians — and, rightly so, a huge blow-up adorned a room in the Army Chief’s office complex. It is where the Army Chief meets heads of foreign armed forces and dignitaries and the message each one of them would have carried would have been of India’s, and the Indian Army’s, finest hour. The replacement painting (whose quality is debatable) is touted to represent the future vision of the Indian Army — in a way it is a toss-up between a subtle communication of a spectacular politico-military success and that of an imagined future.
Which is more suited to be in the Indian Army Chief’s office? Well, one cannot dictate how someone furnishes his office — one can only have an opinion. But would the painting have a view? Alas, if only it could speak.
The statue in Ladakh
The post script. Even as the controversy over the removal of the painting seemed to ebb there is another one now, raised by the recent installation of Shivaji’s statue on the shores of the frigid Pangong Tso (lake) in Eastern Ladakh. There have been disapproving views, including those by the local councillor, of an inappropriate choice having been made. Having operated extensively in the area, one cannot but rue the fact that if any symbol was required to link valour with local history, it should have been that of Zorawar Singh, the legendary Dogra general, whose forays took him deep into Tibet. Symbolism is about linking the viewer to a ‘feel’ that he can connect with in his surroundings. Else, it is misplaced showmanship.
Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retired) is former Additional Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies
Published – January 06, 2025 12:08 am IST
