‘Not a platform for private celebrations’: Army disapproves officer’s marriage proposal at Nashik Passing Out Parade

What began as a heartwarming moment that won applause on the parade ground and admiration on social media has now attracted the displeasure of the Indian Army’s senior leadership, with a newly commissioned officer’s marriage proposal at the conclusion of the Combat Army Aviation Training School’s (CAATS) Passing Out Parade in Nashik being viewed as a breach of established military norms and directives.

On Tuesday, May 2, Captain Bharat Bhardwaj surprised his partner, Arushi, with a marriage proposal in front of fellow officers, instructors, family members and guests. Still dressed in his ceremonial uniform after successfully completing his aviation training, the young officer knelt before his partner and asked her to marry him. Overwhelmed with emotion, she embraced him as applause erupted from the gathered crowd.

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Videos of the proposal quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing thousands of reactions from users.

Talking to mediapersons, Captain Bhardwaj said that the proposal was carefully planned to coincide with the POP. “We have all become pilots, instructors today (May 2). It was a big day for all of us. Our hard work yielded fruit today. I don’t think that there is any better day than this to propose marriage to her. I wanted to make this day memorable for my fiancée too. That was the whole idea,” he said.

However, sources in the Indian Army have said that the episode was met with strong disapproval at senior levels. As per insiders, the act constituted a violation of the Defence Technical Publicity Rules (DTPR), 2004, as well as internal protocols and directives governing military ceremonies and conduct. “The Passing Out Parade is a formal military occasion that marks a significant professional milestone. It is not a platform for personal displays or private celebrations,” a source said.

Sources further emphasised that personal moments should remain private and should not overshadow ceremonies where officers are formally commissioned and entrusted with responsibilities in service to the nation.

“Such occasions carry immense dignity and symbolism. Every institution and ceremony has its own sanctity, which must be preserved and respected with the utmost seriousness,” the source added.

The CAATS POP marked the successful completion of training for officers from helicopter, pilot-observer, instructor and remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) courses. A total of 59 officers graduated during the ceremony, while 25 officers earned their coveted Flying Wings after completing Basic Flying Training.