A Retired Major General G.D. Bakshi, one of the members of the panel of the ‘Newshour Debate’ hosted by Arnab Goswami during discussions on national security, sentiments and strategic affairs. He is a veteran of the Indian Army. The panelists were debating the Union Government’s decision to pass an order yesterday asking all Central Universities to compulsorily hoist the tricolor on a 200-feet mast in their respective campus.

It’s such a shame that we’ve reached a point where we have debates on whether or not our flag must be ‘allowed’ to hoist in universities. The panelists discussed where one must ‘draw the line’ between being an extreme-nationalist and a patriot.

While on the debate, he spoke in favor of the millions of soldiers who have given their life for India, how much the tricolor meant to him and his Jawans and how saddening it is to see a handful of people debating against this and dragging our pious National flag into a political mess.

Maj Gen Bakshi broke down while arguing with Supreme Court advocate Shabnam Lone over the “timing” of the Central Government order. In an emotional outburst, the veteran army man reminded that soldiers have sacrificed themselves for the sake of the tricolor.

“I took an oath that wherever I am told to go – whether via land, sea or air – I’ll go. If I have to die, I’ll die. I have seen many people die, and I request you with folded hands to please respect our jawans who have laid down their lives. You cannot give them anything; they died for the flag. Respect them.”

“This is not a theory for me. I am sad to see that we soldiers have been left alone to cry,” he said.

Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani called Times Now during live News Hour show to console Maj Gen G D Bakshi who broke down after losing his cool during a debate on the national flag. “Tragedy of my nation today, that I see tears in eyes of a brave soldier like you. We are grateful for your sacrifices and services. Under that flag, every day, knowingly, unknowingly know this we shall be grateful forever.”

General G D Bakshi also expressed his angst on Facebook in the wee hours of the morning.