Chetwode, Dinkar to a Field Marshal’s baton: How the Army chief’s office has changed
It is the prerogative of an Army chief to shape the office to his own taste, people aware of the matter said.
A corner within the Army chief's office in New Delhi's South Block has undergone a transformation, mirroring the choices of successive chiefs of the world's second-largest army. Over time, this space has solidified the office's military essence and prestige, according to those familiar with the matter. The room, often chosen as a backdrop for Army chiefs to pose with visiting dignitaries and exchange memorabilia, also features a pair of elephant tusks.
It has served as the backdrop for photographs of outgoing chiefs with their successors during the change of command.
The most enduring feature is Field Marshal Philip Chetwode's motto, inscribed by him during the Indian Military Academy's inauguration in Dehradun in 1932. It reads, "The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time." This motto remained on the wall for decades, including during General VP Malik's tenure as Army chief from 1997 to 2000, Malik confirmed to HT.
Upon General Upendra Dwivedi's assumption as Army chief in 2024, the Chetwode motto was replaced by verses from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's poem Shakti Aur Kshama. The Hindi poem, translated loosely as "Truth be told, humility shines brightest when backed by the arrow; only the peace accord of those with strength is revered," underscores the importance of restraint and forgiveness backed by strength.
Dwivedi completed the makeover by displaying portraits of Field Marshals Sam Manekshaw and KM Cariappa, followed by the Field Marshal's baton. This change was recently made by the current Army chief, General Dhiraj Seth.
Seth has also altered the adjacent Army chief's lounge, replacing the painting titled "Karam Kshetra" with the Indian Army emblem. The Karam Kshetra artwork, which replaced the iconic painting of the Instrument of Surrender signing at the end of the 1971 war, had sparked discussions within sections of the defence establishment. Only a few senior officers, including Seth and Navy chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, continue to work from South Block.
The South and North Blocks are set to be transformed into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, envisioned as the world's largest museum, spanning 155,000 square meters.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
