An Army captain proposed to his girlfriend after the passing-out parade ceremony in Maharashtra. He got down on one knee on the runway and gave a ring to his girlfriend. An army helicopter is standing behind. After the video went viral, social media was divided into two factions. While some praised the Captain, many started a new debate on military protocol and security related concerns. The incident took place on Tuesday at the Combat Army Aviation Training School located in Nashik, Maharashtra.
After the debate on social media, Captain Bharat Bhardwaj has got the support of many retired army officers. Former army officers rejected speculations of a serious security breach being raised on social media. People’s reaction was criticized as extreme anger. Retired Lieutenant General HS Panag, Retired Colonel Sanjay Pandey, General DP Pandey and Lieutenant General (Retd) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon supported Bharat Bhardwaj.
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HS Panag also joined
Retired Lieutenant General HS Panag wrote on X, ‘During my service I handled many such cases. I did everything possible to protect and maintain the dignity and free thinking of the dynamic young officers and soldiers. I considered it necessary to scrutinize their confidential reports and correct those matters if the more strict commanders in the chain of command had a different view. In the worst case scenario, I issued a general warning letter without mentioning the name or the incident.
No breach in security: Satish Dua
Former Chief of Integrated Defense Staff Lieutenant General (Retd) Satish Dua also supported Captain Bharat Bhardwaj and wrote, ‘A lot of negativity is being shown on social media regarding this picture of a young captain proposing in front of a chopper. On many occasions, military equipment is kept for public viewing and photography. This does not cause any breach in security. These young pilots are often away from their families and friends. Let them do their work.
DP Pandey, a retired Indian Army general officer, criticized the public reaction. He told that the Captain had proposed during the tea break and not during the parade. At that time everyone is allowed to take photographs.
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‘If the youth won’t do it then who will?’
Lieutenant General (retired) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon also gave his reaction in this matter. He said, ‘You want that young officer to sacrifice his life for the love of the country, but you do not want him to express his love for his fiancee. In the Army we say, ‘If the youth will not do it, then who will?’
He further said that if you do not find any flaw in his professional ability then do not unnecessarily criticize such a sacred feeling of love and belongingness. On the question related to security concerns, he said, ‘Military equipment has been displayed in many ‘Know your Army’ exhibitions organized across the country. Students and civilians get photographs taken with them, which shows their pride and love for the army. Therefore please do not raise the issue of national security in this. Let that young soldier perform his national duty with pride and honour.
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