War Memorial

WAR MEMORIAL-“HOIST WITH ONE’S OWN PETARD?”

A military historian of repute, writing in the context of responsibilities of the State to the Soldier in a democracy, first defined the role of the Civil Society. While the soldier makes the ultimate sacrifice when the need arisis, members of the civil society ensure that he is well cared for. Remembering every soldier who makes the ultimate sacrifice is a part of investing in the future security of a nation. Caring for him after retirement is a gesture which acts as a force multiplier in respect of morale of a serving soldier. He does not have the time or the resources to secure his future while he gifts his youth and comfort for those who are busy building the future of their near and dear ones.

While the retired soldiers have been crying hoarse for their rightful dues granted by the pay commission and supported by the highest courts of law, Governments have failed to honour their own promises. In our brief independent history, by our actions alone we have willy nilly succeeded in depriving those that serve the country with passion. But passion alone does not bring succour to the soldier in his old age.

The other truism of remembering the dead and reminding generations to come of their sacrifice through creation of war memorials is the subject of this discussion. As the reader will notice, there are inextricable linkages in what the civil society can do for the Soldier. Admittedly, a War memorial to remember the soldier is a recent phenomenon, i.e post WW1 and WW2. Earlier they were erected to symbolize victory after wars. The emphasis shifted to the soldier when democracies and civil societies realised the need for future investments for national security. How do you motivate the young and also keep the flame of liberty alive in the minds of the people?. Hence, not surprisingly War memorials have become proud symbols of nation states. A must visit destination for visitors from both within and without. Grand Memorials at Stalingrad/Volgagrad, El Alamein west of Alexandria, Korean war Memorial in the US (1986), Arc de Triumph on Champs Elysees and Tugu Negara in Malaysia are some examples.

Civil societies in frontier states of India were quick to erect memorials limited to their sectors of war. Many Armed forces establishments created dedicated memorials to keep the passion of their troops alive. Motivate, they did, as is evident from visitors moved to tears during the solemn ceremony conducted once or twice a year. Their locations are such that not many civilians have access to the solemn structure as they lie in restricted areas of military establishments. Parallely, began the attempt to create a national war memorial in Delhi. It would be an imposing structure, as many are, around the world. It would list in golden letters the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice after India gained her independence. But then the project was mired in bureaucratic mumbo jumbo.” Why a war memorial in a peace loving country? We do not celebrate victories in war” Why erect another in the Lutyens Delhi? We do have one in the form of India Gate don’t we? The civil society remained ignorant of the consequences of such banter. Twenty years or more were spent in locating and preparing designs even as specious arguments filled noting on files of many ministries.

Then came the news that Srilanka had built an elegant memorial right next to their own, in the beautiful surroundings of their new Capital, to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Indian Armed Forces  during IPKF operations in that Country. It was reportedly built after suggestions made by Indian delegations which visited Srilanka for high level interaction. It is also true that an inscription made to mark the occasion of inauguration of the IPKF memorial by the Indian Prime Minister had to be hurriedly covered, due to sensitivity associated to a coalition partner of the Government of India. The Srilankans have shown us the way and we responded by saying “Where there is a ‘will’ there is also a ‘won’t’ “

Viewed from the soldier’s perspective, there is considerable delay in deciding or executing plans/programmes related to the Military of India. Integration of the Armed forces, anamolies in pay and allowances, actions for much needed up gradations and other related issues. Expeditiously siting a war memorial may be the event which will help to reverse this trend.  .After all the Soldier should not be fighting for a war Memorial, it is the Civil Society which should be ensuring that one is built. That indeed is an investment for national security.

Locating the War memorial in the vicinity of Raj Ghat may just be the icing on the cake.

.

An edited version of this article under the title, "An Ode To The Soldier" was carried by India today in july 2011