The Indian Army has renamed several roads, residential colonies and military facilities as part of an ongoing review of British influence on its culture and heritage, a move aimed at strengthening an identity anchored in India’s rich military heritage, officials aware of the matter said on Thursday.
Through this measure, the Indian Army continues to align its living, training and work areas with India’s own military heritage, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sovereignty, integrity and enduring values, an official said. (Raj Ke Raj/Hindustan Times file photo)“The revised naming of 246 roads, buildings and facilities recognizes the contribution of India’s gallantry awardees, war heroes and dignitaries. military Leaders reflect the values of courage, sacrifice and leadership,” said an official quoted above on condition of anonymity.
Army review announced in 2022 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi In March 2021, the Joint Commanders’ Conference at Kevadia, Gujarat, called for the dismantling of colonial norms in the armed forces. He asked the three services to get rid of legacy practices that are no longer relevant.
The prime minister’s remarks at the summit were the first indication that many residual colonial practices exist armed forces They were on their way out. He emphasized the importance of increasing indigenization in the national security system, not only in procurement of equipment and weapons, but also in doctrine, procedures and practices.
The review carried out so far covers 124 roads, 77 residential colonies, 27 buildings and military facilities and 18 other places including parks, training areas, playgrounds, gates and helipads, a second official said, listing some of the changes.
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Mall Road Inn Delhi Cantonment It will now be called Arun Kshetrapal Marg in honor of the young hero of 1971, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his bravery. Kirby Place in Delhi Cantt has been renamed after Captain Nikezakuo Kangurse, a Kargil War hero who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
“This initiative complements the larger national effort to honor soldiers’ bravery and supreme sacrifice with sustained recognition of Param Vir Chakra awardees, to ensure that the legacy of India’s heroes remains embedded in institutional spaces”.
In Ambala Cantonment, Patterson Road Quarter will be called Dhan Singh Thapa Enclave; In Mathura, the New Horn Line is named after Abdul Hamid; in JaipurQueen’s Line Road renamed Sundar Singh Marg; In Bareilly, New Birdwood Line is now Themaiya Colony; And in Mahu Cantonment, Malcolm Line will be called Piru Singh Line.
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Also, the Collins Block of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun Now Nubra Block, and Kingsley Block renamed as Kargil Block.
“Through this measure, the Indian Army continues to align its living, training and work areas with India’s own military heritage, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sovereignty, integrity and enduring values,” said a second official.
Speaking from its walls red fort On the occasion of 75 years of independence in 2022, Modi spoke of “panch pranas” or five pledges to make India a developed country in 2047, the 100th year of independence. One of those resolutions was to eradicate all traces of colonial slavery from mentality and practice.
On September 2, 2022, Modi unveiled a naval insignia at the commissioning ceremony of the aircraft carrier Vikrant, drawing inspiration from the seal of Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj and the St. George’s Cross, a move the prime minister described as ridding himself of the burden of a colonial past.
Abide With Me, a decade-old staple tune Beating Retreatwas dropped from the annual January 29 musical, marking the end of Republic Day celebrations in 2022. The Christian hymn was composed in 1847 by Henry Francis Light. Until four years ago, beating retreats traditionally ended with hymns. The Beating Retreat features the bands of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and the Central Armed Police Forces, in addition to the Bagular and Pipe and Drums Bands.
