The Indian Military Heritage Festival took center stage at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was joined by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande. The United Service Institution of India (USI), the oldest tri-service think tank of India working since 1870 conducted the annual ‘Indian Military Heritage Festival’. This grand occasion served as a tribute to India’s rich military history and aimed to inspire the youth of the nation.
Celebrating India’s Presidency of the G-20
The year 2022-2023 marks India’s presidency of the G-20, and in celebration of this, the Indian Military Heritage Festival was conceived as a flagship annual program. This event focuses on several key themes:
Heritage and Military Traditions
The festival delves deep into India’s military history, emphasizing the country’s ancient civilization and rich military ethos, showcasing its tradition of soldiering and warfighting that spans centuries.
Security and Self-Reliance
In line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative, the festival provides a platform for discussions on self-sufficiency in the defense and military domains.
National and International Collaboration
The event brings together a diverse group, including Indian and global corporates, public sector undertakings, non-profit organizations, think-tanks, and high net-worth individuals, fostering cross-pollination of ideas and discussions.
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Festival Objectives
The Indian Military Heritage Festival is more than just a celebration of the past; it aims to foster an understanding of contemporary issues, security, strategy, and international relations. Here are its core objectives:
Promoting Literature on Indian Military History
A critical aspect of the event is to encourage the creation and dissemination of literature on Indian military history, as well as the art and science of warfare.
Building Consensus on Modern Warfare
The festival serves as a platform for policymakers and strategic thinkers to discuss modern warfare issues concerning India’s interests and aspirations, fostering consensus.
Exploring Emerging Technologies
The event discusses future and emerging technologies in the military domain, showcasing developments that influence the modern battlespace.
Understanding Geopolitics
It promotes a nuanced understanding of evolving geopolitics, its impact on the global order, and implications for India’s strategic security.
Holistic Approach to National Security
The festival encourages an ‘All of Government’ approach to national security, engaging the entire nation to foster a greater understanding of current and emerging security challenges.
About United Service Institution of India
The United Service Institution of India (USI) is a think tank dedicated to national security and defense services, headquartered in New Delhi, India. Its mission is to promote and advance interest and knowledge in the fields of defense services, encompassing the arts, sciences, and literature related to this domain.
USI: A Legacy Dating Back to 1870
USI operates research centers focused on various aspects of national security. The USI Journal, which has been in publication on a quarterly basis since 1872, holds the distinction of being the oldest defense journal in Asia. Additionally, USI produces a range of monographs that stem from the research and studies conducted by its members. Major General Sir Charles MacGregor founded the United Service Institution in 1870 in Shimla.
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