VETRIVEL! VEERAVEL! INDIAN ARMY CAMP

A controversy erupted on Thursday after a picture bearing the slogan 'Vetrivel, Veeravel' was seen at the entrance of the Army Regiment in Madukkarai of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. The image went viral on social media.

"Vetrivel, Veeravel", translated to "victorious spear, courageous spear", has been historically used as a war cry by Tamil warriors since ancient times.

The slogan "Vetrivel, Veeravel" was used by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit of Tamil Nadu during its Vel Yatra before the 2021 assembly election. The slogan was also used by PM Modi during his campaign in the state.

However, the Department of Defence's Public Relations Officer said the slogan had been at the Army Regiment in Madukkarai for ages and each regiment in the Army had such distinct victory slogans.

"Vetrivel, Veeravel has been used by the Madukkarai Regiment and has no other connection", the official said.

A recent controversy ignited when a photograph displaying the slogan "Vetrivel, Veeravel" was seen at the entrance of the Army Regiment in Madukkarai, located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. The image quickly gained traction on social media, sparking debates and discussions. Historically, "Vetrivel, Veeravel", which translates to "victorious spear, courageous spear", has been a revered war cry among Tamil warriors since ancient times, embodying valor and martial prowess. However, its modern political connotations added a layer of complexity to the controversy. The slogan was prominently utilized by the Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during their Vel Yatra preceding the 2021 assembly elections, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi employed it during his campaign efforts in the state. This political usage has led to assumptions and misinterpretations regarding its presence at the Army Regiment. Clarifying the matter, the Public Relations Officer of the Department of Defence stated that the slogan has been a longstanding part of the Madukkarai Regiment's tradition, unrelated to any recent political developments. According to the official, each regiment in the Army possesses unique victory slogans that reflect their heritage and ethos. The official emphasized that "Vetrivel, Veeravel" has been integral to the Madukkarai Regiment's identity for ages, independent of external political influences. This assertion aims to delineate the historical and traditional significance of the slogan from its contemporary political usage, reaffirming that its presence at the Army base is rooted in a longstanding martial tradition rather than any recent political affiliations. This incident highlights the intricate interplay between historical symbols and modern political narratives, underscoring the importance of contextual understanding in addressing public .