A retired general has come out in support of a newly commissioned army pilot whose viral proposal to participate in a military parade ceremony in Maharashtra’s Nashik has drawn mixed reactions.
The surprising proposal happened during the military parade on Tuesday at the Army Combat Aviation Training School near Nashik in Maharashtra.
The videos that went viral showed the newly commissioned pilot – Captain Bharat Bhardwaj – wearing his ceremonial military uniform, walking down the runway, getting down on his knees in front of his partner and proposing to him with a ring. This all happened with a military helicopter in the background.
While the suggestion has melted many hearts since it went viral, it has also sparked an online debate on whether the gesture breaks protocol.
Amid mixed reactions, the Army has taken note of the matter and is likely to seek an explanation from the newly commissioned pilot, HT reported earlier. While the proposal and its social media presence violate several protocols set by the military, the gesture is unlikely to raise any major issue for the captain.
“Don’t do nuktachini”: former officer slams trolls
Lt. Gen (retd) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon criticized the negative comments on the videos and photos of the proposal and opposed what he described as “nuktachini [petty criticism]On “A Gesture of Pure Love”
“You want the young officer to sacrifice his life for the love of the country, but you don’t want him to express his love for his fiancée. In the army we say ‘”Shab nahi karega, toh kaun karega“The retired officer at X said.
He said that if you can’t find fault in his professional abilities, then don’t do this nuccacini for such a pure gesture of love and belonging.
Confirming that the military equipment was on display during several “Know Your Army” exhibitions across the country, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Dillon said, “Students and non-military personnel took pictures showing pride and love for the Army.”
So, please do not bring the national security angle into this matter, he stressed and urged people to “let the young soldier perform his national duty with pride and honour”.
Many supported the former army officer in the comments, wishing the couple a happy future together, while some expressed different views.
One comment under the former officer’s post read: “Not a single heartfelt moment should overshadow the Captain’s commitment, discipline and service to the nation. I wish the couple a happy future together.”
Another user, requesting that his views not be taken negatively, said he was more concerned with maintaining the highest standards of military discipline than with the officer’s patriotism or professionalism.
“My concern is not about the officer’s patriotism, character, or professionalism,” the caption read. “It is only about maintaining the highest standards of military discipline, security awareness, and public perception. If such practices become common, they may ultimately create unintended risks rather than incentives.”
