IMA companies Al Alamein, Cassino, others to shed colonial tag

Several training companies at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun that are named after battles fought during the British era are being redesignated with names of battles fought after Independence.

The move, sources said, was part the government’s endeavour to do away with colonial and legacy traditions in the armed forces and to adopt practices more attuned with the Indian culture and heritage.

Over half of the 12 training companies — Kohima, Al Alamein, Meiktila, Sangro, Imphal, Karen and Cassino —are named after battles where Indian troops had distinguished themselves when they fought as part of the erstwhile British Indian Army.

The sources said Dograi, Nathu La, Chushul, Bagdam, Dras, Basantar and Walong sites of decisive battles fought during post-Independence wars are among the names being considered for these companies. The other companies at the IMA — Naushera, Poonch, Zoji La, Jessore and Sinhgarh — also commemorate the battles fought after 1947.

The IMA has four training battalions, Cariappa, Manekshaw, Thimmaya and Bhagat, each having three companies. While three battalions are named after former Indian Army Chiefs, the fourth is named after Lt Gen PS Bhagat, a recipient of the Victoria Cross during the World War-II who was later the first General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command.

The tri-service National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla also has a similar structure, but with 18 squadrons instead of companies. These are, however, not named after battles but designated in accordance with the phonetic alphabetic code like Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.

As the Indian armed forces trace their origins to the British military, their uniforms and accoutrements, regimental practices and procedures, ceremonies, social interactions and even mess dining etiquettes date back to the pre-Independence era. Addressing the military leadership recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while highlighting the need to develop the Indian military into a futuristic force, urged to rid themselves of legacy systems and practices that have outlived utility and relevance.

Following this, the Navy had unveiled a new ensign, replacing the red Saint George’s Cross on its flag with a crest representing the royal seal of Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji. It also allowed wearing of traditional Indian male attire like kurta-pyjama, adhering to stipulated standards, in the officers’ mess.

Even western tunes played at Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi every January after Republic Day celebrations have been done away with and only Indian compositions regale the audience. Also introduced after 2014 are Indian indigenous musical instruments like the tabla and harmonium.

The Indian military is reportedly seeking to review over 75 legacy laws, practices and procedures that date back to the British times. Inculcation of ancient texts and martial thoughts such as Chanakya’s Arthashastra in military training and strategic studies are also underway.

Recently, a new painting titled ‘Karam Kshetra’ was displayed in the Army Chief’s lounge at the Army Headquarters, depicting tanks and helicopters on the banks of Pangong Lake in Ladakh along with a charioted warrior, a saffron-clad monk and a bird. This replaced the iconic painting of Pakistan’s surrender in the 1971 war, which had kicked up a considerable debate.