A historical memories of painting at Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar’s office, at Defence Ministry, South Block. The picture shows one of the photographs in which Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi of Pakistan Army (seated, centre) is signing the surrender documents in Dacca on December 16, 1971.
| Photo Credit: Shanker Chakravarty
Amid mounting criticism, the Indian Army installed the iconic painting of the surrender of Pakistan in 1971, which was removed from the Army chief’s lounge recently, at its Manekshaw convention centre on Monday. The development coincided with Vijay Diwas, which marks India’s historic victory in the Bangladesh Liberation War.
“On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff along with the President Army Wives Welfare Association, Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, installed the iconic 1971 surrender painting to its ‘most befitting’ place, The Manekshaw Centre, named after the Architect and the Hero of 1971 War, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw,” the Army posted on X. The senior hierarchy of the Army and veterans were present on the occasion.
Stating that the painting was a testament to one of the greatest military victories of the Indian armed forces and India’s commitment to justice and humanity for all, the Army added, “Its placement at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi will benefit a large audience due to substantial footfall of diverse audience and dignitaries from India and abroad at this venue.”
As reported by The Hindu last week, the iconic painting depicting the signing of the instrument of surrender by Pakistan in Dhaka, which ended the Liberation War of 1971 and led to the creation of an independent Bangladesh, earlier adorned the Army chief’s lounge in South Block, where he meets with visiting dignitaries and guests.
It was replaced by ‘Karam Kshetra–Field of Deeds’, painted by Lt. Col. Thomas Jacob of 28 Madras Regiment, which features a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh on the right, the Garuda and Lord Krishna’s chariot on the left, and Chanakya and modern equipment like tanks, all terrain vehicles, infantry vehicles, patrol boats, indigenous Light Combat Helicopters and Apache attack helicopters at the centre.
Also read: The 1971 war | The liberation of Bangladesh, 50 years ago
As several veterans took to social media last week to express their disappointment and angst over the removal of the historic painting, Army sources stated that the new artwork done by a serving officer portrays the Army as a “guardian of Dharma, fighting not merely as a defender of the nation but to uphold justice and protect the nation’s values”, and also captures the Army’s evolution into a “technologically advanced, integrated force”.
The issue was also raised in the Parliament with Congress MP Manickam Tagore moving an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss it. The notice for adjournment of the business of the House was given for the purpose of “discussing a definite matter of urgent importance” which was the “removal of 1971 war photograph from Army Headquarters” and the “larger implications” of this action on the “preservation” of India’s history and heritage.
“The 1971 victory, led by Indira Gandhi, remains one of the most significant military triumphs in India’s history. The removal of this iconic photograph is an attempt to diminish its importance and erase its legacy from our collective memory. The photograph, which has inspired generations of soldiers and officers, must be restored to its rightful place to honour the sacrifices of our armed forces and the immense significance of this victory,” Mr. Tagore said in the notice. He also called on the government to constitute an independent committee along with MPs from all parties to investigate the reasons behind the removal of such historical symbols and recommend measures to protect and preserve our national heritage.
This committee should also examine similar occurrences in the past, present, and future across all sectors, and suggest preventive measures to ensure that our history is not tampered with in any manner, Mr. Tagore stated.
December 16 commemoration
Against the backdrop of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, veterans and officers from the neighbouring country travelled to Kolkata to commemorate Vijay Diwas, continuing a long held practice. On the 53rd anniversary of the Liberation War, eight Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) and two serving officers of the Bangladesh armed forces arrived in Kolkata. Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian armed forces also arrived in Dhaka to take part in Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations, Army sources said.
These bilateral visits provide a significant platform for Muktijoddhas from Bangladesh and Indian war veterans to come together, reflecting on the historic sacrifices that led to Bangladesh’s freedom from occupation, oppression and mass atrocities, the Army said. The ongoing exchanges celebrate the unique friendship between India and Bangladesh and renew the collective memories of the Liberation War, which symbolises the shared commitment and valour of both countries’ armed forces, it added.
This tradition of mutual respect and remembrance underscores the deep-rooted bond of solidarity between India and Bangladesh, reinforcing the values of peace, cooperation and shared history.
In the national capital, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and three service chiefs led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, laid wreaths at the National War Memorial to mark the occasion.
Published – December 17, 2024 02:27 am IST
