Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling dispensation are determined to do away with India’s “thousand years of slavery”. As part of this project, the Union  Government has been redeveloping the Central Vista in the heart of New Delhi, the city that the British built after they decided to move the capital of the Raj from Calcutta in 1911. It took them 20 years to build the new capital, which was inaugurated in 1931.

At the head of the Vista, up on Raisina Hill, was the principal seat of imperial power — the imposing Viceroy’s House. Down the hill were North and South Blocks which housed the secretariat of the Raj. And then came a vast rectangular space — the Great Place — at whose northern end a circular Central Legislature was constructed. From the gates of the Viceroy’s House through the centre of the Great Place was a grand 3 km-long road — Kingsway — flanked by lawns and ponds. Kingsway culminated in the All India War Memorial. Beyond that was the large traffic roundabout with a canopy above the statue of King George V. 

The Kingsway lawns were bounded by Queen Victoria Road to the north and King Edward Road to the south. On these roads were located the residences of the Executive Councillors. The Imperial Records Department building was constructed on Queen Victoria Road. The only princely state to be given the privilege of having a residence on King Edward Road was Jodhpur. No princely state had a house on Queen Victoria Road. Away from the Vista, on a radial road to the south of the Viceroy’s House, the second most imposing house in the new capital was built. This was Flagstaff House, the residence of the Commander-in-Chief.

A couple of “temporary” constructions were built on the two roads during the Second World War. Thus, on Queen Victoria Road, a Central Vista mess for the Air Force came up and an Army mess was built on the lawns of the Jodhpur House.

As India became a Republic, it was only natural to change the names of the buildings on the Vista. Thus, the Viceroy’s House (Government House from 1947 to 1950) eventually became Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Central Legislature building became the Parliament building and Flagstaff House began to be called Teen Murti House, the residence of India’s first Prime Minister. The Imperial Records Department became the National Archives and the War Memorial was popularly called India Gate. George V’s statue was taken down.

As space requirements increased after Independence, new construction was done for  government offices. Thus, the National Museum, Krishi Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan were built on Queen Victoria Road, which was renamed Rajendra Prasad Road, and Udyog Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan on King Edward Road, which was renamed after Maulana Azad. Vayu Bhawan and Rail Bhawan were also built. 

For some of these buildings, the houses of the Executive Councillors were brought down. In time, the only one which remained was that of the Vice President of India. Later, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan were also constructed. In all these changes, an attempt was made to retain the integrity of the Vista.

During his tenure as PM, Modi has been radically changing the Vista. Thus, a new Parliament building and Secretariat buildings have been constructed. North and South Blocks have been abandoned and will be converted into museums. A new Vice President’s residence has been built and a new Prime Minister’s House is under construction. Several post-Independence and pre-Independence buildings have been brought down. A grand War Memorial has come up in front of the National Stadium, near India Gate. And, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue is now under the canopy where once stood that of George V.

Yet, while the reconstruction of the Vista is in progress, can Modi’s ambitious project be said to be complete as long as the structure which was the crowning edifice of British imperial authority remains the residence of India’s Rashtrapati? The PM has taken keen interest in the construction of the new buildings, which seek to blend — both in their architecture and interiors — India’s ancient traditions with the aspiration of Viksit Bharat.

Certainly, it was important for Modi to change “subsidiary” buildings, but all this may not be enough as long as the apex structure of the Raj remains the seat of the Republic’s power. That is, in itself, incongruous. Can it continue indefinitely in view of the ruling party’s ideology and Modi’s project? Would they not prefer that the Rashtrapati Bhavan become a historical monument like so many in Delhi?

Naturally, the construction of a new Presidential residence will be a project of mammoth proportions. It will also be controversial, but the PM has never shied away from dissent in matters which he considers essential to his ideology and legacy. The second aspect is the need for land. Clearly, unlike the construction of the new Parliament building while the old one has become an adjunct cannot be a model for a new Presidential residence. The present structure’s size and location make that impossible. Hence, land will have to be found in the centre of Delhi.

The steps being taken to cancel leases of imperial institutions and land parcels of adjoining government structures can make sufficient land available for a new Presidential residence. Indeed, while other reasons are being given for some of these lease cancellations, does the actual one lie in wanting a new Presidential residence? A new one which harmonises India’s ancient glory with its current resurgence and the promise of Viksit Bharat will be far removed in nature and spirit from the imperial building where the Rashtrapati currently resides. 

No end to controversy over Satluj takedown from OTT

While the whereabouts of dismissed DSP Jaspal Singh, who was sentenced to life for his role in the 1995 abduction and murder of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, are still unknown, it has come to the fore that he still holds the coveted gallantry award recipient status.

Despite clear instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Punjab Police have allegedly failed to act on withdrawing the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry awarded to former Tarn Taran SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu and DSP Jaspal Singh, both convicted in the Khalra abduction and murder case. 

A letter sent by then Deputy Secretary SK Rastogi, Ministry of Home Affairs, in 2017 (the copy of which is with The Tribune), with a subject titled — withdrawal /forfeiture of the President’s Police Medal and Police Medal — reads, “It has been observed that the state governments are not strictly adhering to the guidelines related to withdrawal of medals”.

“An instance has been noticed that a gallantry medal awardee was convicted by the Hon’ble court and subsequently dismissed from the service in 2006, but the state concerned did not bring the facts to the notice of this ministry,” reads the letter.

Former Tarn Taran SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu, charge-sheeted by the CBI in 1996 for his alleged role in Khalra’s disappearance, died by suicide in 1997 before trial.

Jaspal Singh was convicted by a CBI court in 2005, sentenced to life imprisonment, and his conviction was upheld by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2007 and the Supreme Court in 2011. He was released on interim bail in May 2023.

Under Rule 6 of the President’s Police Medal Rules and Rule 8 of the Police Medal Rules (1951), gallantry awards can be withdrawn if the recipient is convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude, dismissed for misconduct or deemed by the President to have brought disrepute to the force.

Despite repeated attempts, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav was not available to comment on the issue.

An official requesting anonymity said considering the sensitivity in the wake of movie “Satluj”, no official would comment on the matter.

According to prosecution, Khalra was shot dead inside the police station. His body was allegedly transported in the trunk of a vehicle and dumped into a canal near Harike in an attempt to destroy evidence.

It has come to light that of eight police personnel convicted for the murder of Khalra, four have died, three are on parole or bail while one is still incarcerated.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led AAP government maintained that it did not sign any file related to premature release of Khalra murder case convicts.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that he has “left instructions” to launch a massive military action against Iran, if Tehran succeeds in the plan of assassinating him, while stressing that the country would be bombed “at levels they have never seen before”, New York Post reported.

Speaking in an interview with New York Post, Trump highlighted that he has been on Iran’s “kill list” for a long time. He further denied the reports of Israeli intelligence warning him regarding Iran’s alleged plot to assassinate the US President.

“I’ve been on their list for a long time. That’s what we’re dealing with. The only thing is, I’ve left instructions — if anything happens, to just literally bomb them at levels that they’ve never seen before, Trump told NYP.

“No, no. Israel came up with nothing. No, no, I’ve been No. 1 [on Iran’s kill list] for a long time, and it’s the way life is, you know,” said Trump, as per New York Post.

Trump’s remarks come in the aftermath of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral and recent reports related to an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate the US President.

Khamenei was laid to rest at the Imam Reza shrine in Iran’s Mashhad on early Friday morning, 131 days after he was killed in US-Israel joint strikes in Iran.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Friday said that Washington has agreed to continue talks with the Islamic Republic following Tehran’s request but reiterated that the US still considers the ceasefire between the two sides to be “over”.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks.’ We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump’s comment comes as Qatari negotiators travel to Iran in an effort to ease tensions and resume the US-Iran talks.

GLIMPSE OF UPDATES

Preserving Soldiering Dharma in a Changing India by Lt Col Gurparkash Singh Virk

Need to look into biggest weakness of Indian Army : Do not allow it to aggravate with cumulative frustration

Proceedings ‘colourable and malafide’: AFT quashes dismissal of Colonel who faced 18 charges for misconduct

Assam Rifles havildar killed in Manipur ambush cremated with honours in Ghaziabad

Old is Gold Films’s post

Army Chief reviews operational preparedness along LoC in Rajouri, Poonch sectors

Army Chief calls on J&K L-G, CM Omar

What war means to children

Centre approves Rs 990-cr Leh bypass project

Chenab flows into Pak as heavy rain forces opening of dam gates

LeT militant killed in Shopian encounter

India, Australia boost defence ties to counter China’s influence in Indo-Pacific

Indian Army uses drones to deliver medical aid to 69-year-old earthquake survivor in Venezuela

Satluj’ takedown reaches HC, plea seeks restoration

👍👍✈️✈️🇮🇳🇮🇳👍👍

1. Iran Missile Strikes Hit Commercial Ships in Strait of Hormuz:
   Geopolitical friction in West Asia has escalated dangerously after Iranian naval forces fired anti-ship cruise missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at three commercial oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The targeted vessels include the Qatari gas tanker M/T Al Rekayyat (which reported its engine room on fire and filled with smoke), the Saudi-flagged M/T Wedyan, and the Liberian-flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity. The string of strikes took place near the coastal transit corridor proposed by Oman, completely disrupting a fragile regional maritime ceasefire.
2. US Launches Massive Airstrikes on Iran’s Shahid Haqqani Port:
   In an immediate, heavy retaliation for the shipping attacks, the United States military launched a massive wave of airstrikes targeting over 80 sites across southern Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the operation as a non-proportional punitive assault designed to degrade Tehran’s maritime blockade capabilities. American precision munitions battered coastal radar installations, air defense grids, command networks, and destroyed more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast-attack small boats. Major secondary explosions and blazes were recorded by local authorities at the Shahid Haqqani Port in Bandar Abbas, the Sirik pier, and Qeshm Island.
3. DGCA Grants Type Certification to Embraer E-Jets Family:
   India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially granted Type Certification to the Embraer E-Jets commercial aircraft family. While primarily a commercial aviation milestone enabling Indian regional airlines to seamlessly expand their fleets, the certification carries distinct secondary defense implications. Defense analysts note that having a validated, certified local maintenance base for Embraer platforms streamlines potential future military configurations, especially since the DRDO relies on Netra AEW&C modifications built on Embraer-derived airframes.
4. Indonesia Eyes India’s Great Nicobar Project:
   Following the landmark BrahMos missile export signing, bilateral strategic ties between New Delhi and Jakarta have deepened with Indonesia expressing formal interest in cooperating on India’s ambitious Great Nicobar Island development project. Given the island’s extreme proximity to the western mouth of the Malacca Strait, Indonesia eyes the mega-project—which includes an international transshipment port and a heavily upgraded military airfield—as a vital cooperative hub to secure regional sea lines of communication and counter rapid extra-regional naval expansions.
5. Skyrun Dynamics Successfully Tests Indigenous ‘Ares’ Interceptor Drone:
   Domestic defense startup Skyrun Dynamics has reached a critical technology milestone after successfully conducting live field interception trials for its clean-sheet ‘Ares’ autonomous anti-drone interceptor. Configured specifically to counter low-cost quadcopters and fixed-wing kamikaze drones, the high-velocity Ares interceptor utilizes edge-computing artificial intelligence and terminal optical guidance. The system can autonomously detect, track, and physically ram or explode hostile aerial targets even under heavy electronic warfare jamming that disables standard GPS signals.
6. Exicom Unveils Indigenous ‘Condor Lite’ 1W COFDM System for UGVs:
   Electronics innovator Exicom has pulled the wraps off its new ‘Condor Lite’ 1-Watt COFDM (Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) wireless video and data transmission system. Designed specifically for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and tactical surveillance systems operated by the Indian Army, this compact, rugged transceiver allows operators to stream high-definition, low-latency tactical video feeds from deep within urban ruins or dense foliage, preserving stable control loops over long distances.

Note:-
Above inputs are from open media sources.

The strength of any nation’s Armed Forces lies not merely in advanced weapons, sophisticated technology or superior battlefield capabilities. History consistently reminds us that the enduring foundations of military power are loyalty, discipline, institutional integrity and an unwavering commitment to constitutional values. These principles, collectively reflected in India’s tradition of Soldiering Dharma, deserve renewed attention as the nation navigates a rapidly changing social and strategic environment.

The Indian subcontinent’s history offers important lessons. Many foreign invasions and prolonged periods of external rule succeeded not simply because invaders possessed stronger armies, but because internal rivalries, divided loyalties and political fragmentation weakened indigenous resistance. Whenever personal ambition or sectional interests prevailed over collective national purpose, the consequences were profound. The future of nations is ultimately written by the loyalty of their people rather than by military technology alone.

India’s Armed Forces have historically remained insulated from political, religious and ideological divisions. Their apolitical character has been one of the greatest strengths of the Republic. Today, however, increasing social polarization and visible political affiliations among some veterans have generated public debate. While every citizen enjoys democratic freedoms after retirement, preserving public confidence in the political neutrality of military institutions remains essential. The loyalty of a soldier must continue to rest exclusively with the Constitution, the Nation and the chain of command.

Another emerging concern is the growing volume of litigation before the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) High Courts and Supreme Court’s . A large number of service, pension and welfare disputes indicate that existing administrative mechanisms often fail to provide timely and satisfactory resolutions. Delayed justice imposes financial, emotional and professional costs on serving personnel, veterans and their families. It also points towards the need for more responsive human resource policies and administrative reforms.

Equally significant is the absence of a comprehensive statutory framework addressing the long-term welfare, resettlement and rehabilitation of military personnel. India has enacted laws governing recruitment, discipline and service conditions, yet no unified Armed Forces Welfare and Resettlement legislation comprehensively addresses transition from military to civilian life. As service models evolve and national security challenges become more complex, such a framework deserves serious consideration.

Recent structural changes have also generated uncertainty among certain categories of personnel. Short Service Commissioned Officers have long sought greater clarity regarding career progression, pensionary entitlements and post-release rehabilitation. Likewise, the Agniveer recruitment model has sparked an important national discussion on long-term employment prospects, skill utilisation and social security after military service. Whatever one’s view of these policies, their long-term success will depend upon ensuring fairness, predictability and dignified opportunities after release from service.

Military rank represents far more than organisational hierarchy. It embodies constitutional authority, professional competence, responsibility and lifelong honour. Any perception that institutional equality is weakening or that different categories of soldiers are being treated unequally can affect morale and cohesion—the very qualities upon which military effectiveness depends.

India’s security will undoubtedly benefit from modernisation and technological advancement. Yet no technology can substitute for trust, fairness, unity and disciplined leadership. Preserving Soldiering Dharma, strengthening welfare institutions, delivering timely justice, and ensuring that every soldier—regular, Short Service or Agniveer—is treated with dignity and fairness will ultimately strengthen both the Armed Forces and the Republic they serve.

🇮🇳 Jai Hind
Lt Col Gurparkash Singh Virk
9876558525
colgpsvirk@gmail.com

Col NS Grewal had been posted as the Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion in October 2008 and in November 2017 his services were terminated

Terming the disciplinary proceedings as “colourable” and “malafide”, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has set aside the dismissal of a Colonel who had faced 18 charges of inappropriate behaviour and professional misconduct while he was commanding an infantry battalion about 15 years ago.

Observing that by now he would have crossed the age of superannuation in the rank of Colonel and therefore cannot be reinstated, the Tribunal’s Bench comprising Justice Sudhir Mittal and Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, in their order of July 8, directed that the officer would be deemed to have been removed from service by the Chief of the Army Staff and he would be entitled to grant of pension and other pensionary benefits for the period of service rendered by him.

Col NS Grewal had been posted as the Commanding Officer of an Infantry battalion in October 2008 and in November 2017 his services were terminated by way of dismissal without pension and gratuity under provisions of Section 19 of the Army Act read with Rule 14 of the Army Rules.

In September 2010, based on complaints, including alleged misbehaviour with ladies, a court of inquiry (COI) was ordered, which was completed in March 2011. Based on its findings, recording of Summary of Evidence (SOE), a prelude to a possible trial by general court martial (GCM) was ordered which concluded in October 2011.

The battalion was selected for deployment in a UN peacekeeping mission and the officer submitted that witnesses who had deposed against him in the SOE not be sent abroad as it would delay the disciplinary proceedings. He also requested for early finalisation of the case. Thereafter, in December 2011, the Western Command intimated that the GCM was likely to commence in January 2012.

Finally, the GCM assembled in January 2014 and the officer raised a plea in bar, claiming that the GCM was barred by limitation. The plea was accepted and was confirmed in July 2014. A year and two months later a notice was issued to the officer to show cause why his services not be administratively terminated.

Senior Advocate Rajeev Anand contended on behalf of the petitioner that that administrative action can be taken if a GCM becomes time barred, but if the delay is found to be attributable to the authorities, the exercise of administrative power to punish an individual may be declared to be without jurisdiction being colorable exercise of power.

The Bench observed that recording of SOE was concluded on 18.05.2011. On 28.07.2011, a representation was made for early conclusion of proceedings or to at least not to send the essential witnesses abroad. In fact, all essential witnesses were in India and the move of the unit to Congo need not have resulted in delay in convening the GCM. Even then the GCM was not convened. The unit returned from Congo in October 2012. Yet, convening of the GCM was delayed till 18.01.2014.

“It is thus evident that there is no material available on record to justify the delay. Inference of malafide intentions can thus be safely drawn. Clearly, the SOE revealed that the court martial proceedings would not have resulted in an adverse action against the appellant. We are thus, left with no option but to conclude that the delay was malafide and colorable exercise of administrative power. In view of above, order of dismissal dated 27.11.2017 is not sustainable. It is accordingly quashed,” the Bench ruled.

Havildar Chandramohan Singh was cremated with full military honours

Ghaziabad: Havildar Chandramohan Singh (49) of the Assam Rifles, who was killed in a militant ambush in Manipur on July 6, was cremated with full military honours at Hindon ghat on Wednesday. Cabinet minister Sunil Sharma, Sadar SDM Arun Dixit and Colonel Naveen Sharma of 56 Field Regiment, Meerut, paid tribute as his mortal remains reached his Nandgram home.Singh was part of a patrol team that was ambushed by unidentified gunmen while travelling from Ukhrul headquarters to their battalion base at Shangshak. Warrant officer Balwant Singh was also killed in the attack.Singh’s son, Rahul, said his father joined the Army in 1996 and the family moved to Ghaziabad from Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, in 2008. Singh had returned home last month for his own father’s funeral. “On June 3, my grandfather passed away. My father was here for his last rites and returned to Manipur on July 3. He joined duty on July 5 and died just a day later during a patrol,” Rahul said.The back-to-back losses have devastated the family. “My mother, Manju Devi, has been inconsolable since the news of his death came,” Rahul said, recalling that his father always brought sweets and a sari for his mother whenever he came home on leave, and that neighbours would gather to hear stories of Army life.

Rahul said Singh’s comrades told him how his father kept firing at the militants even after being hit. “He was hit by nine bullets in the chest, yet he continued shooting until his very last moments. He had them completely overwhelmed,” he said.The Army accorded Singh a guard of honour at the cremation. Despite heavy rain, a large crowd, including public representatives and administrative officials, gathered to pay their respects.Singh is survived by his wife, Manju Devi, son Rahul, and daughters Ritika and Yashika.