Hundred years ago colonialists and nationalists worked in tandem to recruit Indians to dig trenches and offer themselves as cannon fodder in the imperialist war in Europe. Today, once again, the erstwhile colonialists and present-day nationalists have conjoined to commemorate the centenary of the so-called “Great War.”

Both President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are keen to celebrate Indian contributions in World War I and publicise them among the youth of the country. On 10 March 2015, the government launched a four-year-long programme to showcase “gallantry” through exhibitions, seminars and other commemorative events.