Chinmaya Amte

I was always confused about why "paid media" seems to promote the Indian Army so consistently.

By paid media, I mean newspapers, TV channels, Bollywood, and even social media algorithms that shape public perception over time.

For a long time, I couldn’t see a clear logical reason for them to highlight mostly positive stories about the army.

But a few days back, I started thinking that it could be a strategic narrative, as it keeps common citizens and voters from questioning whether individuals should have access to weapons.

Many Indians grow up believing that, in times of danger, someone in an Indian Army uniform will arrive who is disciplined, ethical, and ready to sacrifice to protect civilians.

This belief, in my view, has been strengthened over decades through repeated exposure to heroic stories about the Indian Army.

So one possible outcome of this narrative environment is that the public stays distant from discussions around weapon manufacturing, civilian training, and regulated access to firearms to protect themselves.

There may be corruption in institutions, including the army, but citizens rarely have access to detailed internal data, so many issues remain outside public visibility.

At the same time, soldiers at junior ranks are widely seen as loyal and committed to national service, while decision-making at higher levels can sometimes intersect with business and policy interests.

The army operates under the Defence Ministry, and like any disciplined force, personnel are trained to follow lawful orders.

So when deployments happen, for example in sensitive regions like Manipur they act according to the directives given and may fail to protect citizens.

Heroic stories about the army can also create a strong image of national power, which sometimes shifts public attention away from the fact of dependence on imported weapons.

India imports a large share of its weapons, as domestic manufacturing capabilities are not skilled or developed and when international powers send you weapons they come with kill switch risk.

So solutions, in my view, would be

- to strengthen maths and science education across govt schools in the country

- Reduce barriers like high land prices so that manufacturing and housing becomes affordable and triggers innovation

Voters and Citizens should also focus on creating a nation wide demand for referrendum on law that allows common citizens to keep license free but registered weapons at home.

Similar to laws seen in countries like the US, Switzerland and Coorg district in Karnataka.