Army sources said that the new painting portrays the Army as a “guardian of Dharma, fighting not merely as a defender of the nation but to uphold justice and protect the nation’s values”

Officials are seen standing before the painting showing Pakistan’s surrender during the 1971 Bangladesh war. Photo: X/@adgpi

A new painting adorning the Army Chief’s lounge, where he greets visiting dignitaries, has miffed the veteran community. The new painting replaced the one showing the surrender during the 1971 Army sources said the new painting, ‘Karam Kshetra – Field of Deeds’, done by Lt. Col. Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment, portrays the Army as a “guardian of Dharma, fighting not merely as a defender of the nation but to uphold justice and protect the nation’s values”, and also captures the Army’s evolution into a “technologically advanced, integrated force”.

It shows snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, with the Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh on the right, and Garuda and Krishna’s chariot on the left, along with Chanakya and modern equipment such as tanks, all-terrain vehicles, infantry vehicles, patrol boats, indigenous Light Combat Helicopters and Apache attack helicopters.

“If one were to sum up, it signifies a country with a rich civilisation, one which has always believed in righteous cause, just use of force where needed, with renowned scholars, statesmen and strategists. It has a courageous, modern and capable Army which is always ready to defend its borders and interests,” Army sources said.

This painting represents the Indian Army’s timeless commitment to righteousness, as drawn from the teachings of the Mahabharata, sources said. “It portrays the Army as a guardian of Dharma, fighting not merely as a defender of the nation but to uphold justice and protect the nation’s values. This inspiration is complemented by the strategic and philosophical wisdom of Chanakya, whose principles guide the Army’s approach to leadership, diplomacy, and warfare,” a source said.

Of late, there has been a major effort to study ancient Indian texts and integrate India’s “ancient strategic acumen” into the contemporary military domain, and develop an “indigenous strategic vocabulary”, rooted in India’s “philosophy and culture”.

Sources said the new painting reflects how the modern Indian Army is equipped with cutting-edge systems, seamless coordination across land, air, and sea, and the readiness to strike swiftly and decisively against adversaries. “At its core, the painting honours the Army’s legacy of sacrifice, discipline, and valour, while highlighting its preparedness to meet future challenges with unwavering resolve,” sources added.

However, several veterans expressed concern on social media over the reason behind the move. Former Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. H.S. Panag posted, “The photo/painting symbolising India’s first major military victory in a 1000 years and also first as a united nation, in 1971, has been removed by a hierarchy which believes that mythology, religion and distant fragmented feudal past will inspire future victories.”

“We are hitting the “absolute pits” and sadly my NDA course-mates are in the frame,” said a veteran on ‘X’ referring to the iconic picture.

The iconic picture from 1971 shows Lt. Gen. Niazi of Pakistan Army signing the instrument of surrender in East Pakistan in front of Indian Army’s Lt. Gen. Aurora that saw the surrender of 90,000 Pakistani soldiers and the birth of Bangladesh.

“One wonders what is the aim behind removal of the iconic 1971 Dacca surrender photo,” said Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (Retd.) said on ‘X’. “Dignitaries & military heads of other countries meet the Army Chief here & see the symbol of the GREATEST EVENT IN INDIA’s & Indian Army’s history. Now, this ham-handed effort – at what?,” he observed.

It is not clear where the old painting was shifted to.