The picture of Pakistan’s surrender removed from the Army Chief’s office is now in place

On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani occupying forces surrendered to the joint forces. Through which Bangladesh gained independence. The still picture of the surrender to the joint forces at the Race Course Ground in Dhaka was hung in the lounge of the Indian Army Chief’s office for so long. However, the picture was recently removed. This has created a huge controversy.

When the debate started in the country’s Parliament, it was learned that the picture was removed from the Army Chief’s office and replaced at the Manekshaw Convention Center. This information was learned from a report by the Indian media The Hindu.

According to the report, the historical picture of Pakistan’s surrender in 1971, which was recently removed from the Army Chief’s lounge, was restored to the Manekshaw Convention Center by the Indian Army on Monday.

A post shared by the official X handle of the Indian Army said, “On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and President of Army Wives Welfare Association Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi restored the historic surrender of 1971 at the Mane Kash Centre. The centre has been named after the chief architect of the 1971 war and the brave Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.” Top army officers and veterans were present at the event.

Describing the painting as one of the greatest military victories of the Indian armed forces and a reminder of India’s commitment to justice and humanity, the army said, “Its installation at the Manekshaw Centre will further enhance its significance for various visitors and dignitaries from India and abroad visiting the site.”

For half a century, a vivid symbol of the “greatest military victory” for Indians was a painting of the signing of the surrender document of the Pakistani army to the joint forces in Dhaka on December 16, 1971. The painting was recently removed from the office of the Army Chief. The painting had hung in the office of the Army Chief for five decades and was often used as a backdrop for photographs with foreign generals and other dignitaries.

According to reports in Indian media, Telegraph India and The Hindu, a new painting has been installed in the Army Chief’s lounge. The new painting has been replaced by a historical painting depicting the surrender of the Pakistani army to the joint forces in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

An army source told The Hindu that the new painting is titled ‘Karam Kshetra—Field of Deeds’ in Hindi and English. The painting was painted by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Jacob, an officer of the 28 Madras Regiment of the Indian Army. It portrays the army as ‘not only the defender of the nation, but also the protector of religion, the upholder of justice and the guardian of national values’. It also highlights the technological advancement of the army and its transformation into a unified force.

The new painting features snow-capped mountains in the background, Pangong Lake in Ladakh on the right and Garuda (the bird-like god and vehicle of Vishnu in Hindu mythology) and Krishna’s chariot on the left, and Chanakya (an ancient Indian expert on political science and economics) on the right. Besides, modern military equipment like tanks, all-terrain vehicles, petrol boats, indigenous light combat helicopters and Apache attack helicopters are also displayed.

An army source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Hindu, “The painting represents a country with a rich civilisation that has always believed in justice and the use of force when necessary. It portrays a brave, modern and efficient army that is always ready to protect its borders and interests.”

The source added that it reflects the army’s eternal commitment to justice based on the teachings of the Mahabharata. It also incorporates the strategic and philosophical wisdom of Chanakya, which has helped shape the army’s approach to leadership, diplomacy and warfare. In recent times, efforts have been made to develop a ‘national strategic vocabulary’ based on the study of ancient Indian texts and Indian philosophy and culture.

The source further said that this new painting highlights the advanced technology of the modern Indian Army, its coordination between land, air and sea, and its readiness to strike quickly and effectively against the adversary. Its main message is to honour the Army’s tradition of sacrifice, discipline and valour, while also demonstrating their unwavering resolve to face future challenges.