On the occasion of Independence Day, the opposition has lodged serious objections over the presence of three women military officers – Colonel Sophia Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Major Prerna Devasthali in the popular TV quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). The Kerala Congress said on ‘X’ that in a country with a serious and professional military tradition, it cannot be imagined that the uniformed officer in a private entertainment show should also explain the strategy of a military campaign to a film actor. The party alleged, “Three uniformed officers are sitting in a private entertainment show explaining the operation to a Bollywood actor.
At the same time, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also questioned the program. He said that Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) of the private channel on which these officers have been called, have the broadcast rights of the Asia Cup Cup cricket tournament (2023–2031) and will earn revenue from India-Pakistan matches. He said, “Our brave women officer, who became the face of Operation Sindoor, has been called by a private entertainment channel on his show. This channel will earn profits from Indo-Pak matches. Now look at these points.”
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Let us tell you that the teaser of the promo and message program of the TV show was released recently, in which Amitabh Bachchan is seen giving a grand welcome to these officials. In the promo, Colonel Qureshi is seen saying- “Pakistan has been doing such terrorist incidents again and again. It was necessary to answer this and that is why Operation Sindoor was planned.”
If seen, this dispute is not limited to just one TV presence, but it touches two big issues. The question arises whether the uniformed officers should join the entertainment programs, especially when there is a discussion of sensitive military operations in it? Apart from this, the question arises whether such programs are an effective medium to spread the valor of national security forces to the general public, or do they risk lighter of military professionalism?
If seen, the professional image of the Indian Army and other security forces has always been based on the privacy of restraint, discipline and sensitive information. War heroes are also called in TV and media in Western countries, but often they are ex -servicemen or retired officers. At the same time, such a public presence in India is relatively new, which probably shows the changing nature of military public relations strategy.
However, the opposition argues that such a presence is at risk of using military action for political or commercial purposes, especially when the program is on a channel that makes a commercial benefit from Indo-Pak matches.
However, the debate will continue even further to what extent the presence of uniformed officers in public and entertainment mediums is justified. On the one hand this step can increase the spirit of patriotism and pride towards the army, on the other hand it raises questions on the boundaries of military professionalism and privacy.