Indian Military Uniform, the proud attire and emblem of honour and discipline represents the personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force along with the service personnel of the Indian Coast Guard and Central Armed Police Forces, colloquially referred to as Paramilitary Forces, is turning into an object of propaganda by the non-military but political and civilian players.
Explore how fascist regimes utilize military imagery and symbolism to shape societal mindsets and consolidate control. From leaders donning uniforms to crafting a militarized national identity, discover the impact on democracy, citizen loyalty, and individual freedom. Understand the transformation of ordinary citizens into obedient “soldiers,” ready to follow orders without question, as well as the dangers of replacing democratic values with authoritarian command structures that permeate both public and private life. This article uncovers the psychological and cultural shift that occurs under fascism, creating a unified, loyal society that reveres obedience over critical thought and personal liberty.
Baby might have loved the bass, but Fascism loves the army…
Think of Mussolini, Hitler, Tojo, Franco, Pol Pot — they are always in military dress. Many of them never even served in the army or military, yet they strutted around in over-decorated uniforms.
In contrast, true military commanders like Charles de Gaulle, Eisenhower, and Kamal Ataturk often left uniforms behind after gaining power. In India too, Prime Ministers avoided uniforms for many years. Even the Supreme Commander of the armed forces — the President — doesn’t wear one. Although, Constitutionally, only the President of India can embody both the civilian and military leadership in one person.
Indian Military Uniform and the Law
The Indian military uniform, an emblem of honor and discipline, represents the Indian Military, including the Coast Guard, and Central Armed Police Forces. While the uniform is a source of immense pride, its use in civilian contexts has raised questions about legality, ethical boundaries, and political symbolism in Indian democracy.
Legally, there is no explicit prohibition on the Prime Minister or any civilian wearing a military uniform. However, the Indian Penal Code (replaced by the Bhartiya Nyay Sahinta) laid down guidelines regarding the unauthorized wearing of indian military uniforms. Under Section 171, it was a punishable offense for any person to wear the attire or carry any token associated with a particular class of public servants if done with the intention to deceive. IPC Section 140, specifically addressed the misuse of indian military uniforms by civilians who pose as soldiers, sailors, or airmen.
The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA) further clarifies Indian military uniform restrictions, specifically for private security agencies. PSARA prohibits private security personnel from wearing uniforms that closely resemble those of the military, police, or other government security forces.
Legal provisions make it clear that the key issue is intent: if a civilian wears a Indian military uniform or a public servant’s attire without deceptive intent, no law explicitly bars this. However, this legal leniency does not cover all concerns, particularly when prominent figures such as the Prime Minister wear Indian military uniform. Although no law is breached, the ethical implications and symbolic weight of such actions bring the matter into the realm of political ethics.
The Rise of Military Imagery in Political Leadership
Recently, however, some leaders in India have adopted the Indian military uniform — sometimes appearing as tank commanders, other times as pilots or BSF officers. A leader does look striking in Indian military uniform, doesn’t he? Celebrating Diwali with soldiers, marching alongside them… it evokes a strong reaction.
But is that all there is to it?
There’s another sight of reserve-to-be-paramilitary-tomfoolery: unfit, oversized men bouncing around on streets in uniform of khaki shorts, full pants now a days and lathi in the hands, marching in processions, parading in formations, playing bands and call it ‘Path Sanchalan’ or playing catch and poke in some public place and refer the gathering as ‘Shakha.’
If you question the purpose of demonetization, some respond with, “army soldier stands at the border.” You’ll get messages telling you to “keep weapons ready,” or reminders that “true patriotism” demands unquestioned loyalty.
Have you ever thought about the purpose behind militarizing the minds of citizens? Let’s look at the strategic purpose, its advantages, and disadvantages.
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Militarized Loyalty vs. Democratic Questioning
The army is a profession. The first rule of this profession? Follow orders without question. Whether it’s to kill or to die, the soldier obeys without hesitation. This is what you’ve signed up for, and you’re paid to follow.
The army runs on a strict command structure. Generals at headquarters think and decide, and no one else is permitted to think. Whatever the command says, you obey. Any doubts or questions? “No Sir!” How’s the josh? “High, Sir!”
If there’s doubt, hesitation, or if your heart says otherwise, there’s still only one response: “No Sir, High Sir.”
And if the order is to throw millions into gas chambers in the name of religion, or to “hide in clouds to dodge radar” …
How’s the josh? High, Sir.
Any questions? No, Sir.
Fascist Ideologies and the Militarization of Society
The army is not a democratic institution — nor should it be. But democratic institutions are not the army, either. A democracy should not operate like an army, because questioning authority would destabilize military structure, but a democracy cannot survive without questions.
This is what the fascist desires: to erode democracy, to shape the people into an obedient, loyal army. A single centre of ideas. A great national leader. A one-way flow of ideas.
Fascism commands. It will choose the battlefronts: social media, town halls, neighbourhood gatherings, or any public space. It will set the issues, send the questions, and even provide the answers. All you need to do is fight.
Ideological warfare, or even physical… with unwavering military loyalty.
How Militarization Affects Daily Life and Mindsets
Now, we don’t question anything. We don’t disobey orders. We fight the war: against enemies, against traitors, against heretics… against the opposition.
At every politically sensitive moment, a reminder echoes: “Jawans are dying on the border.”
So, don’t question demonetization. Forget Pulwama, forget Ladakh, forget Manipur. If you want to punish terrorists, come, vote for us. Vote in the name of martyrs. Press the button that “sends current to Shaheen Bagh.”
Don’t question employment, loans, encounters. You’re a citizen-soldier, just follow orders. Otherwise, be branded a traitor.
And we comply. Out of… fear…
We didn’t sign up for this; we’re not paid for this. But in this environment, we turn into a militia. Following orders becomes patriotism; questioning becomes treason.
War in the Classroom, Battle at Home
They start young. In the classroom, on the playground — militarized loyalty gets drilled in early. Textbooks glorify battles, hymns of patriotism blare, and students are trained to recite “national values.” Individuality is stripped away, replaced by a proud unity to “serve” rather than to “think.” It’s subtle at first, just harmless “discipline” and “duty.” Before you know it, the young ones are marching too, just as rigid and ready. And at home? Fathers become “commanders” of the family. Sons are obedient “cadets,” and disobedience is just treason by another name.
This unity of command even applies in homes. Father is the General, sons are Lieutenant Generals, mother is revered. Daughters? They’re weak, a liability, to be hidden or protected. If she can’t be saved from abduction, she’s forced into Jauhar.
This is our culture. Our tradition. Our pride. In this framework, free daughters, free thought, democratic dialogue, equality, and rights all become meaningless.
None of these fits into a military command.
This isn’t patriotism, it isn’t devotion; it’s a perversion of loyalty. Questioning, doubting, demanding accountability, reminding of responsibility — these aren’t the jobs of a soldier.
One Nation, One Leader, One Ideology, One…
One ideology, one family, one tax, one market, one businessman, one religion, one culture, one party, one leader… Only one India — the best India.
This is fascism’s real victory: not in the flashy uniforms, but in the minds and homes of ordinary people. Every citizen, every family, every neighbourhood starts mirroring the army. The command structure seeps into daily life. Do your duty. Serve without question. Don’t think — obey. Any doubts or questions? “No Sir!” How’s the josh? “High, Sir!”
In democracy, the strength of a citizen lies in freedom and choice. Under militarized authoritarianism, strength becomes obedience, and freedom is rebranded as a threat. And once loyalty is blind, democracy is finished.
But did you notice? The Indian military uniform is just a tool for propaganda in new India. This is fascist India…
And fascism loves the army.