Col Satish Singh Lalotra (Retd)
‘Our flag is not lifted by the wind; it rises with the final breath of every soldier who fell defending it’—Anonymous.
The armed forces of any nation-state serve as pivotal instruments of power projection and military capability, reflecting the nuanced approach they take to fulfill the directives established by their political leadership. Essentially, they function as a component of the governance system aimed at achieving national objectives through military means when other options prove ineffective. In a democratic setting, they are regarded as the ‘Last bastion of democracy’. With an organization that embodies the collective will to uphold the very concept of a nation-state, founded upon numerous sacrifices made by its members, it is crucial to symbolize this essence with an equally powerful emblem that unites the populace. This emblem is represented by ‘The Armed Forces Flag’. The significance of such symbols is undeniable, especially in a hierarchy-driven institution like the armed forces, which prides itself on seniority and thrives on the display of symbolism in various forms. Even in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, symbolism played a crucial role as we saw the ‘Standards’—or flags—waving atop the chariots of rival commanders, the Kauravas and Pandavas. Join us in commemorating the ‘Armed Forces Flag Day’ in India, observed with solemnity and dedication across the nation on December 7th each year.
While armed forces worldwide maintain their own distinct ‘Armed Forces Flag Day’—a celebration of unwavering faith and commitment to the guardians of sovereignty and territorial integrity—in India, the observance of this significant day was formalized only in 1949. The Indian armed forces were originally part of the British Indian army/navy/air force. It was only after the colonial rulers departed in 1947, and following the appointment of General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Kariappa as the first Indian Army Chief in January 1949, that a committee was established on August 28th, 1949, led by then Defence Minister Sardar Baldev Singh. This committee aimed to institutionalize an annual ‘Flag Day’ on December 7th. The purpose was to distribute small flags to the public while accumulating donations. The essence of this day centers on the collective responsibility of citizens to support the families and dependents of the armed forces personnel who risk their lives for the nation. This sentiment was powerfully echoed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on December 7th, 1954, when he stated:
‘A few weeks ago, I visited Indo-China and saw our officers and men attached to the international commission there. I felt a surge of pride in their professional demeanor and the commendable work they were doing in that distant land. Even more heartening was their acceptance among the local populace. Through their efficiency and friendliness, they enhanced India’s reputation. Among them were individuals from every corner of India. They transcended regional and cultural differences. I trust that my fellow citizens would appreciate these young men serving our nation so admirably, both domestically and abroad. One way to express this appreciation is by contributing to the Flag Day fund.’
The foundational significance of the Armed Forces Flag Day can be summarized into three primary causes:
* Rehabilitation of battle casualties
* Welfare of serving personnel and their families
* Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.
On this day, all three branches of the Indian armed forces—the Army, Air Force, and Navy—organize various events, carnivals, dramas, and entertainment programs to highlight their personnel’s contributions to national security. Across India, small flags and car flags in red, deep blue, and light blue, representing the three services, are distributed in exchange for donations. The original Flag Day fund was established in 1949 by the Defence Minister’s committee. In 1993, the Ministry of Defence consolidated related welfare funds into a single Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which encompasses various welfare initiatives like the Amalgamated Special Fund for war bereaved, war disabled personnel, flag day fund, St Dunstan’s (India), Kendriya Sainik Board fund, and the Indian Gorkha ex-servicemen’s welfare fund. The collection efforts are managed nationwide by local branches of the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), part of the Ministry of Defence. This fundraising is organized through both official channels and voluntary organizations. Although the responsibility for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents falls jointly on the Union Government and State Governments, most issues must be addressed at the state and Union Territory levels. Just as the KSB operates at the national level, the Rajya/Zila Sainik Boards handle the formulation and execution of resettlement and welfare schemes for ex-servicemen, widows, and their families in their regions.
The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFD) is overseen by a managing committee led by the Defence Minister at the center and the executive heads of State and Union Territory Governments. Globally, the significance of a nation’s, armed forces’, or any organization’s flag is emphasized by specific guidelines governing its display at both official and unofficial functions. In the UK, for example, Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of June each year, with a week-long series of events leading up to the day. The seven-day homage to their armed forces exemplifies the high regard in which the British hold their military. In a notable event on June 24, 2024, the mayor of Solihull raised the Armed Forces Flag at the Royal British Legion memorial in Shirley Park, attended by visitors and dignitaries alike. An interesting historical note for readers is that the prized possession of the imperial Chinese army, the ‘Mantalai Flag,’ was captured by the valiant Dogra soldiers of the 4 JAK RIF during the famous battle of Taklakot on May 30, 1841, under the leadership of General Zorawar Singh in his expedition to Tibet. This flag is the only Chinese military standard held by the Indian Army since the Kashmir state forces merged with it post-independence, and it is currently displayed at the Bhopal Museum in Madhya Pradesh. The annual observance of the Armed Forces Flag Day on December 7 in India exemplifies our steadfast commitment and unwavering support for the armed forces personnel and their families in times of need. It sometimes takes a national leader, like Nehru, to recognize the significance of Armed Forces Flag Day while abroad, as noted in his remarks from 1954. It is my hope that the spirit fostered since 1949 continues to thrive each Armed Forces Day.
(The writer is a retired Army Officer)
