In a major goof-up, the Indian governments Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) issued a full-page ad on the occasion of the National Girl Child Day featuring the photograph of former Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Ahmed (2006-2009), along with its national heroes such as cricketers Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag and classical musician Amjad Ali Khan.

The ad, splashed in all major newspapers and thereafter on all television channels and the electronic media, caused a furor and left the Indian Air Force, in particular, incensed.

“I do not know why they have used the former PAF chiefs picture. If they had wanted to use the photo of the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, all they needed to do was ask for one from the Air Headquarters,” a senior IAF officer told PTI.

“This is a big embarrassment not only for the WCD ministry, but also to the IAF. Nowhere do such goof-ups happen,” the IAF officer, who did not want to be named, said.

The Minister for State for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath refused to accept any responsibility for the blunder.

“An inquiry is being ordered into the matter. We are convening the meeting,” said Tirath, who initially said that it being a Sunday the ministry could not do anything.

“Message is more important than the image. The photograph is only symbolic. The message for the girl child is more important. She should be protected,” a defiant Tirath said.

Tirath told reporters that whether the mistake was on part of her ministry or the DAVP, which releases government advertisements, the matter will be investigated.