Why Was The Iconic Photo Of Pakistan’s 1971 Surrender Replaced? Army Chief Explains
The Army chief suggested that the new painting was made considering the current realities as he mentioned about the re-balancing of troops in view of challenges coming from the northern front
Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi has justified replacing an iconic photo of Pakistan’s surrender in the 1971 war at his office in Raisina Hills with a new artwork titled “Karam Kshetra".
The iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender, once displayed in the lounge of the Army Chief’s office, was removed in December for maintenance and care. However, instead of returning to its original location, the picture was sent to the Manekshaw Convention Centre.
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The shifting of the historic photo had reportedly anguished many Army veterans and the decision came under some criticism.
“If you see the golden history of India — it has three chapters. It has the British era, the Mughal era and the era before that. If we wish to connect that and the Army’s vision, symbolism becomes important," General Dwivedi said.
The new painting, “Karam Kshetra", meaning “Field of Deeds", is a creation of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment. The Army Chief suggested that the new painting was created with the younger generation in mind.
It portrays the Army as a guardian of “Dharma" that protects the nation’s values and reflects its evolution into a technologically-advanced integrated force, according to the Army.
“This picture portrays the Army as the protector of Dharma, safeguarding the nation’s values and depicting it as a technologically advanced, integrated force," the Army Chief explained.
The painting depicts snow-capped mountains surrounding Pangong Lake in Ladakh, the chariot of Lord Krishna, and Hindu statesman and philosopher Chanakya – representing strategic intelligence.
Referring to the re-balancing of troops in view of challenges coming from the northern front, the Army Chief suggested that the new painting has been made keeping in mind the current realities.
General Dwivedi emphasised that the move should not be interpreted as the removal of the iconic 1971 photo from his office. “The Army Chief has two lounges, and the surrender photo is in the lounge of the Manekshaw Centre," he said.
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