WEAPONIZING NARRATIVES: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF PROPAGANDA TACTICS IN THE INDIAN MILITARY

Abstract

Propaganda is an important tool in shaping public opinion and its presence can be felt in the various forms of media surrounding us from the news coverage to the movies we watch. This paper explores the existence of military propaganda in the Indian armed forces. While there has been extensive study on American military propaganda, this research paper attempts to further the study of Indian military propaganda and fill the gaps in the literature. Many public opinion surveys emphasise the importance of the military in India and the positive image associated with it which is invoked through news, movies and advertisements. The research examines army recruitment advertisements and movies based on the Indian military to show what information they aim to spread. It points out the other side of the armed forces which can be considered seemingly more negative showing how advertisements and movies often invoke a positive image of the military while ignoring various challenges and drawbacks. The paper identifies the prevalent propaganda in these advertisements and movies and emphasises the need for further study on the military and its implications to inform the public of its realities.