Indian Army to end Colonial Traditions During Retirement Ceremonies
Image for representational purposes only.In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directives, the Indian Army is abandoning outdated or colonial practices, such as the use of horse-drawn buggies in ceremonies and the pulling-out of vehicles during the retirement of army officers.
The use of buggies, pulling-out ceremonies, and pipers during dinner nights will be discontinued, according to instructions issued by an Indian Army formation to its subordinate units. The document also states that horses previously used for ceremonial functions will be made available for training purposes to other formations. The pulling-out ceremony, which involves officers' vehicles being pulled by troops during their posting or retirement, is not widely observed, according to an Army official, and pipe bands are only available in certain infantry units. The Indian Army is reviewing these traditions to align with the country's national sentiment, in accordance with Prime Minister Modi's call for adherence to the five vows.