Flag day should be on 16 Dec The Statesman 12 Dec 17
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Information on the armed forces flag day was for the first time well spread across the nation employing every medium, mainly social. While the event did have good coverage and possibly reasonable contributions flowed, however, the very concept and methodology of its conduct needs a revisit. It has followed a laid down schedule since 1949, with an increased emphasis this year on employing digital media to enhance contributions.
It was first celebrated in 1949 on this date and has since become a ritual. There is no specific historical reason for the selection of this date except the fact that the Defence Ministers Committee in Aug 1949 took a decision to celebrate rmed forces flag day every year on December 7th. In 1949, the nation had yet to face any major external threat, hence any day was suitable.
In earlier days, NCC cadets and volunteer school children would be visible at crossings, with small donation boxes and flags, where passing motorists would put their contributions and a flag would be pinned on their dress. The smile on children’s faces or NCC cadets while they pinned the flag was enough to even melt the heart of the army’s most ardent critic. Presently, there is no organized system of collection, hence largely remains an unknown day. Photographs in newspapers on the next day always show a flag being pinned onto the jacket of the state governor and chief minister.
In the present digital era, contributions can easily be made online. The funds collected on flag day are employed for three principal tasks. Firstly, rehabilitation of families of battle casualties, secondly, welfare for serving personnel and finally for resettlement and well-being of ex-servicemen, including battle casualties. In addition to armed forces flag day, there is always an option for those seeking to donate for the welfare of armed forces personnel to deposit funds online to either the National Defence Fund or the Indian Army Welfare Fund.
In its initial years, on armed forces flag day, the three services would hold a variety of traditional and cultural programs, plays, festivals and other activities to showcase their unity in diversity. This has taken a backseat and so has serious efforts at interacting with the common Indian. The day has largely remained ignored by the serving military community and the masses. With passage of time, even efforts at increasing public donations have reduced.
Collection of donations at national levels is coordinated by the Kendriya Sainik Boards (KSB). At state levels it is the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) and Zila Sainik Boards, which are quasi-independent bodies at state and below level, and operate under the KSB at the central level. While advertisements are few for donations, however apart from previous years, the government went on an overdrive on social media to enhance awareness amongst the public.
In the present era, there is a requirement to reconsider the date and manner of conduct of the flag day. In India, there are specific days when the public remembers armed forces martyrs and functions are held in their memory. Well known days are Vijay Diwas, which marks victory over Pakistan and creation of Bangladesh, which is celebrated on 16 Dec every year and Kargil Diwas, which is victory in Kargil and celebrated on 26 July every year. On these two dates, the nation collectively pays homage to martyrs in organized events including candle light vigils.
Since 07 December has no specific significance, it would be ideal to change the date to one, which the nation can relate to, thereby inviting better participation. It would then be a conduct of multiple events, all with a cause, with fund raising being just one of them. Once the national public relate to an event, everything, including contributions change.
Between the two common dates, the most ideal would be Vijay Diwas. This is mainly since it was a major victory and changed the subcontinent for eternity. Further, this war involved the active participation of all three services and sacrifices were also from all three, hence would be more symbolic, especially in areas where there are naval and air force bases. In addition, donations are not as important as the common Indian declaring solidarity and increased interaction of the society with members of the military, hence a change in the manner of conduct is equally essential.
The new concept should involve all academic institutions and corporate houses inviting few serving and veteran members of the armed forces from the nearest cantonment or town. They could address the audience on the nature of operations of the 1971 war and on issues concerning their present role and tasks. A talk by uniformed soldiers accompanied by veterans who had either participated in operations or counter insurgency, sharing their experiences would rekindle nationalism and support to the armed forces. It would enhance trust and belief in their role and task.
Collection of funds should remain the responsibility of the KSB and its affiliates. They could involve those institutions and corporate houses, which are inviting service representatives on that day. These institutes could collect donations, if any, subsequently handing over to the representatives of the RSB. NCC cadets could also be involved in the event, enthusing them with a strong feeling of nationalism and making them feel special, as they remain the closest link of the masses with the armed forces.
The armed forces flag day has begun losing significance since it is a stand off event, with no correlation to India’s major victories, post-Independence. Since the day had been selected at random, its continuance need not be sacrosanct. Changing it to Vijay Diwas has no political connotation, hence could be considered. For a nation with short memories, maximum participation and contributions would flow, if the date of armed force flag day is changed to 16 Dec, coinciding with Vijay Diwas. Changing the manner of its conduct would enhance solidarity of the common public with the armed forces.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army