Defence personnel in uniform attend private event, spark row

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday (February 15, 2026) felicitated awardees at the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Awards during Mahashivratri celebrations in Coimbatore. The awards were instituted by Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation.

But the presence of defence personnel in uniform at a private event sparked controversy with several retired officers objecting to it. Major General B.S. Dhanoa (retd.) said military officers can attend private functions “except that they should not be doing so in uniform.”

“If they were to receive an award, they could well have received it in civil dress. Wearing a military uniform and going to a private event is unbecoming of the apolitical character of the military,” he said.

Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda (retd.) said officers cannot refuse to attend an event where the Defence Minister is present. “(But) in my view, political leaders must ensure that uniformed personnel are not invited to functions in which questions can be raised on their conduct or professionalism,” he said.

The ceremony paid tributes to the Indian Armed Forces for their role in Operation Sindoor. Three major operational commands – Western Air Command, the Indian Army’s Southern Command and the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command – were felicitated in recognition of what the Defence Minister described as “remarkable success” of the operation.

Senior officers including Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra of the Indian Air Force, Lt. Gen. A.V.S. Rathee of the Indian Army, and Vice Admiral R.V. Gokhale of the Indian Navy were recognised for their leadership and commitment during the mission.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Singh drew parallels between Lord Shiva and the armed forces. “Just as Lord Shiva embodies both protection and destruction, our armed forces today carry within themselves both fearlessness and patience,” he said.

Isha Foundation has instituted the awards to honour individuals who have made significant contributions in areas such as national security, business, arts and entertainment, sports, community welfare, science and technology, and literature and academia.