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Islamabad: Hindutva has tightened its grip on the Armed Forces, eroding secularism and reinforcing the “Modi Ki Sena” narrative.
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) lounge has removed a painting celebrating India’s war victories, replacing it with images from Hindu mythology. This move is seen as an attempt to align military history with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationalist agenda.
Indian Army officers have raised concerns as Hindu deities and mythological figures begin to appear in military spaces. These changes are perceived as undermining the secular foundation of the armed forces.
There is growing apprehension among non-Hindu officers who fear marginalization as Hindu nationalist symbols become prevalent. They worry that the armed forces, traditionally a symbol of India’s diversity, are becoming a political tool for Hindutva expansion.
Modi’s government has been criticized for installing religious icons, such as Krishna and Chanakya, in military settings instead of honoring real war heroes. This shift has replaced battle-hardened veterans with figures from Hindu mythology.
A statue of Shivaji and a saffron flag have replaced local heritage symbols in Ladakh, raising concerns about the imposition of Hindutva ideology in regions with distinct cultural histories.
Ladakhi leaders have rejected the Shivaji statue, arguing that it reflects an agenda to erase indigenous culture and impose Hindu nationalism in areas without historical ties to it.
The Indian Army, once considered free from religious influence, is now being viewed as an ideological extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), threatening its unity and professionalism.
The government’s focus on glorifying Hindu leaders while diminishing Mughal and regional histories is seen as an effort to reshape India’s diverse past into a single-religion narrative.
While India invests in indigenous artificial intelligence, robotics, and hypersonic technology, challenges such as cyber vulnerabilities, corruption, and budget constraints hinder their effective implementation.
Critics point out that Indian soldiers are engaged in activities like yoga and bridge-building, while China strengthens its military presence in Ladakh. This has exposed the real priorities and challenges within the Indian military.
Despite portraying China as an adversary, the real struggle lies within, as corruption, poor leadership, and the politicization of the armed forces threaten its effectiveness and resilience.
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