In a significant event aimed at commemorating and promoting India’s rich military heritage, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, is set to inaugurate the second edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi on Friday.
The festival, which will span two days, is designed to engage a diverse audience, including think-tanks, corporations, non-profit organizations, and scholars focused on national security and military history.
The festival’s opening ceremony will also mark the launch of a new initiative called Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’. This endeavor, introduced by the Department of Military Affairs in partnership with the United Service Institution of India (USI), aims to preserve and elevate India’s military heritage through educational programs and tourism activities.
The participation of the three Service chiefs further underscores the importance of this initiative. The event is characterized by a variety of activities aimed at engaging the youth, including contributions from NCC cadets and students from various educational institutions across Delhi and the National Capital Region. Informative stalls will be set up to showcase the roles of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the career opportunities available within these esteemed institutions.
The festivity will highlight notable publications on military topics, featuring books such as ‘Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971’ by retired Air Marshal Vikram Singh, and a collaborative work titled ‘Valour and Honour’ by the Indian Army and USI. Additionally, Mrinmayee Bhushan’s ‘Silent Weapons, Deadly Secrets: Unveiling the Bioweapons Arms Race’ will also be presented.
In a show of its achievements, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to feature a photo exhibition detailing its contributions to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ through innovation in defense research.
This year’s festival enjoys the support of several government bodies, including the Ministry of Defence, Department of Military Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, alongside the British High Commission. The inaugural edition of the IMHF took place last year at the Manekshaw Centre, showcasing performances by military bands and various exhibits that reflected the diverse dimensions of India’s armed forces. This year’s festival is anticipated to build on that foundation, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of military service and heritage among the public.
