Indian Army follows a unique tradition that binds all their fellow officers in a regiment. The junior commissioned officers (JCOs) in the Indian Army organize lunch for the officers on the Independence Day in their mess, and in return, the officers host a lunch or dinner for the JCOs on Republic Day in their mess.
Since the British Raj days, such tradition has been followed but not much has been written about it. This tradition can be seen on Republic Day in the messes of the Army War College, MCTE, Infantry School, Military Hospital, 18 Madras Regiment and several other military establishments in Mhow.
The Indian Army follows deep-rooted customs and traditions. For more than hundred years this tradition has been followed and is a happy mix of ancient, medieval and contemporary influences. Being a part of the Indian societal fabric, our soldiers take great pride in identifying themselves with these customs and traditions.
When JCOs are invited during Republic Day by the officers, a banquet is held in the Officers’ Mess. Guests and host freely interact, having drinks and snacks. An atmosphere of camaraderie prevails.
Soldiers attend the banquets in regimental clothes like mufti dress, cravats, ties and other accoutrements of ‘Fauji nature’. This gesture is appropriately reciprocated by the JCOs on Independence Day when they invite the officers to the JCO mess. This tradition is followed in all the units and regiments of the Indian Army.
This custom traces back to British days but not many know that it existed in the princely state forces as well, however, in a different form.
Great warrior leaders like Shivaji, Maharana Pratap and Maharaja Ranjit Singh showcased this enigmatic love and affection for their soldiers and stayed with them sharing the hazards, happiness and food with equal poise.
The commune system is being followed by the Indian Army to nurture the spirit of togetherness. Officers and soldiers eat, drink and live together to cultivate the courage of togetherness which eventually pays great dividends when they have to fight together to defeat the enemy.
Subedar Prem Lal, who retired from the Infantry School, explained that despite having a vast gap between the higher and lower ranks in the Army, the JCOs receive a lot of respect on both Independence Day and Republic Day.
“We meet each other in these functions and get a family-like atmosphere. We have a personal conversation and exchange views on various issues. In the normal course we, the personnel of lower ranks, don’t even think of meeting the senior officers.”
Thus, this unique tradition helps in maintaining harmony and cohesiveness within the Army,” he added.