A Nation's Unhealed Wound and The Cost of Political Amnesia

Questions that Demand Answers

What defines a nation’s conscience? Is it the valor of its soldiers or the integrity of its leaders? Why does history remember some sacrifices while burying others in silence? How can we reconcile the paradox of honoring martyrs with neglecting prisoners of war (POWs)? And why, decades later, do these questions remain unanswered?

India stands at an inflection point — a moment where reflection is not just necessary but imperative. As debates rage over national identity, unity, and progress, one must ask: Are we learning from our past, or are we condemned to repeat it? This article delves into the haunting legacy of India’s forgotten warriors — the brave men who fought for their motherland during the 1971 Indo-Pak War but were abandoned by their own government. Their stories expose systemic failures, political compromises, and moral lapses that continue to shape modern India.

The Heroes Who Vanished into Oblivion

In December 1971, as the world watched Bangladesh emerge victorious from Pakistan’s oppressive grip, India celebrated its decisive role in shaping history. Yet, beneath this triumph lay a tragedy obscured by diplomatic negotiations and political expediency. Wing Commander Harsaran Singh Dandos, Squadron Leader Mohinder Jain, Flight Lieutenant Sudhir Goswami, Squadron Leader JM Mistry, Squadron Leader JD Kumar, Squadron Leader Dev Prasad Chatterjee, Flight Lieutenant VV Tambe, Flight Lieutenant Nagaswami Shankar, Flight Lieutenant Ram M Advani, Flight Lieutenant Manohar Purohit, Flight Lieutenant Tanmay Singh Dandos, Flight Lieutenant Babul Guha, Flight Lieutenant Suresh Chandra Sandal, Flight Lieutenant Harvinder Singh, Flight Lieutenant L M Sassoon, Flight Lieutenant K P S Nanda, Flight Lieutenant Ashok Dhawale, Flight Lieutenant Shrikant Mahajan, Flight Lieutenant Gurdev Singh Rai, Flight Lieutenant Ramesh Kadam, Flight Lieutenant Pradeep V Apte, Flying Officer Krishan Malkani, Flying Officer K P Muraleedharan, Flying Officer Sudhir Tyagi, Flying Officer Tejinder Sethi — these names may seem unfamiliar today, but they represent the unsung heroes whose fates were sealed by indifference.

These valiant pilots of the Indian Air Force became POWs after being shot down over Pakistani territory. Unlike Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, whose capture in 2019 galvanized global attention and swift action from the Modi-led administration, these officers languished in captivity without hope of repatriation. While America intervened diplomatically to secure Abhinandan’s release, no such effort was made on behalf of India’s 1971 POWs.

Instead, under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, the Simla Agreement of 1972 prioritized peace over justice. In exchange for releasing 93,000 Pakistani prisoners, India chose to turn a blind eye to the plight of its own soldiers. Not only were they left behind enemy lines, but their existence was deliberately erased from public discourse. Newspapers refused to publish photographs; families were denied closure. These men died nameless deaths, betrayed by the very nation they swore to protect.

A Legacy of Compromise: When Politics Trumped Patriotism

To understand the magnitude of this betrayal, consider the stark contrast between then and now. The Modi government’s assertive stance against Pakistan underscores how far India has come in reclaiming its sovereignty. But what about accountability for the sins of omission committed decades ago? Can any justification absolve a leader who traded her soldiers’ lives for geopolitical convenience?

Indira Gandhi’s moniker as the “Iron Lady” often evokes admiration for her decisive actions, such as the Emergency or Operation Blue Star. However, true strength lies not in wielding power indiscriminately but in upholding principles even when inconvenient. By failing to demand the return of Indian POWs, she demonstrated neither courage nor conviction. Instead, she perpetuated a culture of selective memory — one that continues to haunt us today.

Broader Implications: Lessons Lost; Futures Jeopardized

The story of India’s forgotten warriors is not merely historical — it is emblematic of deeper societal fissures. Consider the following realities:

1.    Minority Privilege Over Majority Rights:
India remains unique among nations where minorities wield disproportionate influence, often at the expense of the majority community. Whether through preferential policies or unchecked immigration, this imbalance threatens social cohesion.

2.    Justice Denied to Soldiers, Granted to Criminals:
While corrupt politicians roam free despite evidence of wrongdoing, innocent citizens languish in jails awaiting trial. Meanwhile, terrorists receive legal aid and human rights advocacy, leaving victims voiceless.

3.    Educational Neglect vs. Political Nepotism:
How can a nation claim progress when educational standards plummet, allowing individuals unqualified for leadership roles to ascend to positions of authority?

4.    Distorted History, Divided Identity: Textbooks glorify invaders like Babur and Aurangzeb while vilifying freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh. Such narratives distort collective memory, fostering division rather than unity.

Each of these issues stems from a failure to learn from history. By ignoring the lessons of 1971, India risks repeating similar mistakes — only this time, the stakes are higher.

Final Thoughts: Provoking Thought, Inspiring Action

As we reflect on the sacrifices of Wing Commander Harsaran Singh Dandos, Squadron Leader Mohinder Jain, and their fellow comrades, let us confront uncomfortable truths. What kind of nation allows its heroes to fade into obscurity? What values guide a society that prioritizes appeasement over accountability? And most importantly, what future awaits a country unwilling to confront its past?

Before it’s too late, every citizen must ask themselves:

• Will you stand by idly as history repeats itself?
    
• Will you accept mediocrity in governance and education? 
   
• Will you tolerate injustice in the name of secularism? 
   
• Or will you rise to reclaim your heritage, honor your martyrs, and build a brighter tomorrow? 

Let these questions linger — not as accusations, but as calls to action. For if India becomes another Afghanistan, Syria, or Pakistan, there will be no turning back. The time to act is now.