No ‘martyrs’ in Indian army

As we approach the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we have been witnessing the usage of the word ‘Martyr’ at various places. It may be noted that the word ‘martyr’ is not used for the soldiers killed in the line of duty. This has been communicated by the MoD and most of the renowned personalities of Indian defence forces, yet it is being used unabashedly.

In a February 2022 notification, the Indian army issued a directive to all its commands to avoid using the term ‘martyr’ when referring to soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. This decision aims to standardize the terminology and ensure uniformity in honouring our fallen soldiers. Instead of ‘martyr,’ it recommended various alternative phrases that appropriately convey the honour and respect due to these soldiers. These alternatives include:

1. Laid down their lives: Emphasizes the honourable nature of their sacrifice.

2. Killed in action: A straightforward military term indicating that the death occurred during combat operations.

3. Supreme sacrifice for the nation: Highlights the ultimate sacrifice made for the country.

4. Fallen heroes: Honours the bravery and gallantry of the soldiers who have died.

5. Indian Army Braves: A tribute to the courage and bravery of the soldiers.

6. Fallen soldiers: A respectful term acknowledging the service and sacrifice of the soldiers.

7. Battle casualty: A formal term used in military contexts to denote soldiers who have died in battle or terrorist encounters.

8. Bravehearts: A sincere term signifying the courage and bravery of the soldiers.

9. Braves whom we lost: A compassionate phrase that acknowledges the loss of these courageous soldiers.

10. Veergati/Veergati Prapt/Veer: Hindi terms that honour the valour and sacrifice of the soldiers.

By adopting these terms, the Indian army aims to honour the fallen soldiers with language that accurately reflects their bravery and dedication to the nation.

Ministry of defence also advised, time and again, against the usage of the word martyr. As per them, the terms ‘Martyr’ in English and ‘shaheed’ in Hindi carry religious connotations since they are often used to refer to individuals who have sacrificed their lives for their faith. Due to this association, the Indian armed forces avoid using ‘Shaheed’ when referring to soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty. This approach ensures that the terminology remains secular and inclusive, honouring the soldiers’ sacrifices without invoking religious overtones.

I hope we can now stop using martyrs or shaheed and start using the correct terminology to give our fallen soldiers their respectful salutations.