Use of Tricolors for Ex-Servicemen During Their Final Journey

Use of Tricolors for Ex-Servicemen During Their Final Journey: In 2016, we introduced the tradition of draping the mortal remains of ex-servicemen in the national tricolor flag. This practice, reminiscent of the honors bestowed upon martyrs, has been consistently upheld to this day. It involves placing five tricolor flags during the final journey of ex-servicemen in every village of South Haryana. These flags, measuring six feet in length, feature the inscription of ‘Gauravshali Veer Senani’ in the middle of a four-feet-wide tricolor. We have also issued guidelines to educate villagers on the proper use of this flag. This tradition has garnered nationwide acclaim, and we have petitioned the Ministry of Defence to implement it nationwide throughout the year. In October 2021, the Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence, issued orders to District Soldiers’ Boards across India, instructing them to lay wreaths bearing the national emblem on the mortal remains of ex-servicemen upon their demise. While some district Soldiers’ Boards have adhered to this order, others have regrettably neglected it.