In a riveting SangamTalks discussion on YouTube, Smita Mukerji provides a comprehensive exploration of the guiding principles for the Indian military. The central theme revolves around the choice between Hindutva and Dharma as the ideological framework for military operations.

Mukerji begins by acknowledging the historical context, recognizing the instrumental role of military personnel throughout human history, often sacrificed for various ideals, identities, or collective entities. The talk delves into key issues, including the discrediting of Subhash Chandra Bose and the recent #SangamTalks panel discussion on military clarity in dealing with Islam. The discussion scrutinizes allegations of delusional secularism among Indian military personnel, addressing criticisms on social media regarding military approaches in regions like Kashmir and the Northeast. The speaker emphasizes the military as an arm of the state, devoid of its own ideology, promoting professionalism over identity-based distinctions within the armed forces.

Mukerji questions the feasibility of implementing a Hindu identity-based military, highlighting potential consequences of suspicion and exclusion based on political allegiances. The talk discourages introducing identity distinctions within the military, advocating for a unifying identity that dissolves personal affiliations in favor of overarching professionalism.