Celebrating the armed forces flag day on 07 Dec is meaningless (English Version) Rakshak News 05 Dec 18
Celebrating the armed forces flag day on 07 Dec is meaningless (English Version) Rakshak News 05 Dec 18
As per Wikipedia, Post-Independence, the government felt that it needed to take measures to manage the welfare of defence personnel, serving and veterans. A committee met under the defence minister on 28th Aug 1949 and decided to observe a flag day on 07 Dec every year. The original methodology was to collect donations from the national public and in return gift them with small flags.
In the initial years the armed forces on this day would organize events showcasing their abilities for the public. Road crossings would have NCC cadets in uniform holding small boxes in which the passing motorist would drop his donation and in return would have a small flag pinned on their dress.
In Delhi a flag would be pinned on the President and Prime and in all states on the Governor and the Chief Minister. While the tradition of armed forces organized events and the participation of NCC cadets has ended, the pinning of the flag on central and state dignitaries continues.
There is no significance for the selection of 07 Dec as the date of the armed forces flag day, except that it was selected in 1949. Since then immense water has flowed under the bridge. The armed forces have fought multiple wars, gained victory and even liberated a nation. Amongst all the wars fought by the country till date, two remain most remembered. They are Kargil and the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971.
Victory in Kargil is celebrated as Kargil Diwas on 26 July and victory in the 1971 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas on 16 Dec. On both these occasions there are multiple events held across the country including laying of wreaths, felicitating martyrs and placing of candles at war memorials. However, contact with society which should have been the basis of armed forces flag day has been waning over time.
Thus, there is a need to consider the right occasion for the armed forces flag day as also the manner the event is conducted. In the 1971 war, victory was achieved by the active participation of all the three services operating in unison. There are martyrs from all services and hence each service pays homage on the occasion. Further, it was the most resounding victory for the nation.
Vijay Diwas therefore is ideal for celebrating as the armed forces flag day. It will enable the national public to associate the date with a specific event, the greatest victory of the Indian armed forces. Since the event is celebrated across the country, the public would link the event and the occasion, hence would lead to a better participation at the national level.
The manner of conduct as at present is also not conducive to such an occasion. Presently, the public is requested for contributions through every form of social media as also through advertisements in print and electronic media. The public is informed that their donation would be used for the welfare of serving and veteran soldiers. There is no direct interaction between the public and the members of the armed forces, serving and veterans.
If celebrated on Vijay Diwas, all educational institutions across the country could be instructed to invite serving or veterans who could speak to the students on the role of the armed forces in peace and war. Veterans of operations could be asked to share their experiences. This, apart from motivating the youth to join the armed forces, could also act as a platform for donations for the flag day.
Similarly, this should be the day when the army welcomes the public by organizing ‘know your army’ mela’s across all cantonments. It could also organize band displays in different locations of the city to enhance the interest of the public.
The logic behind the above is that in the country, like across the globe, there is one day in a year dedicated to the martyrs and members of the armed forces. This would be the day when their representatives are felicitated by educational institutions and the city at large. It should be a day when the nation should thank the military for its sacrifices. Presently, India has no such date.
Celebrating of war victories by the armed forces themselves implies nothing. It would mean far much more when the nation joins in remembering its martyrs and celebrating its victories. Seeking donations on armed forces flag day as a stand-alone date, without having any special significance is also meaningless. Having it on the day when India humbled Pak and granted freedom to Bangladesh would enhance its importance and also involve the nation at large.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army