India's first Military Heritage Festival 2023

India's first Military Heritage Festival 2023: The United Service Institution of India (USI), the country's oldest defense think tank, is going to organize India's first-ever Military Heritage Festival. Scheduled for October 21-22, 2023, at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, this landmark event seeks to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding India's military traditions, contemporary security challenges, and self-reliance initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India's First Military Heritage Festival 2023

As part of the larger celebration of India's presidency of the G-20 for 2022-2023, this festival serves as a platform to align with the strategic policies of the Indian government. It reaffirms India's standing as a global powerhouse, a thriving democracy, and a burgeoning force committed to the development of nations in the global south.

Set to be a prominent annual event held at Delhi's Manekshaw Centre, the festival revolves around three core themes: Heritage and Military Traditions, Security and Self-Reliance, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative within the defense and military sectors. It will bring together Indian and global corporations, public sector organizations, non-profits, think tanks, associations, and individuals who are dedicated to national security and philanthropy.

Furthermore, the event will be accessible to the general public, including students, educators, researchers, and those interested in the festival's themes. There will be discussions on topics such as public perceptions of military history, contemporary security challenges, strategic considerations, and the social and welfare issues encountered by the armed forces.

Purpose of India's First Military Heritage Festival 2023

Despite a newfound interest in military history among masses of Indian society, there remains a significant deficit in knowledge about the customs, history, and systems of the Indian armed forces. The Indian Military Heritage Festival has been designed with a clear purpose: to address this gap and enhance public understanding of the interplay between war, the armed forces, and society.

Squadron Leader (retd) RTS Chhina, Director and Editor of the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS) at USI, emphasizes that the festival aims to foster a deeper appreciation of India's rich military heritage and traditions. It also seeks to shed light on contemporary security and strategy concerns while promoting self-reliance in military capability through Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Diverse Perspectives and Dialogues: The festival intends to engage a broad spectrum of participants, including global and Indian think tanks, academic institutions, corporations, public and private sector organizations, non-profit entities, and research scholars. Sessions spanning two days will explore various facets of India's armed forces.

Through panel discussions and dialogues among scholars, practitioners, and retired officers, the festival will tackle topics ranging from indigenous historical knowledge systems and India's role in the World Wars to post-independence challenges and perceptions of war and conflict.

There will be distinguished figures participating in these special sessions such as the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Amitabh Kant, the G20 Sherpa. Eminent scholars and authors will add their insights across different panels, ensuring a rich exchange of ideas.

Cultural Highlights: The festival promises to be a treat for the senses with captivating military band performances by the Tri-Service Bands, representing the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force Symphony Bands. These performances will provide a glimpse into the cultural aspects of the armed forces and celebrate their musical traditions.

In collaboration with the National Museum, the festival will feature an exhibition highlighting key milestones and achievements in India's illustrious military history. This exhibition will offer attendees a unique opportunity to reflect on the country's remarkable journey in the world of defense.

Furthermore, a Cultural Gala Evening is planned, featuring a special dance performance by the Trikayaa Dance Foundation. This performance will incorporate traditional and martial dance forms to narrate heroic stories of unsung sagas and valor.

Filling the Knowledge Gap: The Indian Military Heritage Festival is more than just an event; it's a meaningful endeavor to close the knowledge gap regarding India's military traditions, security challenges, and self-reliance initiatives. By bringing together experts, scholars, and stakeholders, the festival aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the armed forces and their contributions to the nation's history and culture. It is a step towards promoting self-reliance and ensuring that the country's military legacy is understood, celebrated, and preserved for future generations.

What is Project Udbhav?

• Project Udhav focuses onto historical narratives consisting of Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts, Thematic Studies, and Kautilya Studies to bridge the gap between historical and contemporary knowledge.
• Beyond rediscovery, the project aims to develop an indigenous strategic vocabulary deeply rooted in India's philosophical and cultural heritage, seeking to merge age-old wisdom with modern military pedagogy.
• Prior to 'Project Udbhav,' the Army Training Command had already embarked on a research initiative. They delved into ancient Indian Scriptures like the Arthashastra, Nitisara by Kamandaki, and the Mahabharata, resulting in the compilation of the 'Compendium of 75 Stratagems.'
• Similarly, academic institutions like the College of Defence Management have undertaken studies to establish connections between Indian culture and the intricacies of strategic thinking. These previous research will also provide valuable inputs for Project UDBHAV.
• Through scholarly outcomes like the compilation of Indian stratagems based on ancient texts and publications, Project Udbhav focuses to reintroduce classical teachings into contemporary military and strategic domains, thus continuing with a holistic approach to military and strategic thinking that draws on the wisdom of the ages.
• It's a visionary initiative that aspires to synthesize ancient wisdom with modern practices, propelling the Indian Army into a future where historical military sagacity and contemporary demands seamlessly merge. The project's significance also extends to the deeper understanding of international relations and foreign cultures.