The second edition of a festival designed to honor and celebrate India’s military heritage is set to commence today in New Delhi. The event will be inaugurated by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who will be joined by the chiefs of the three armed services.
Organized by the Defence Ministry, the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) aims to shine a spotlight on India’s robust military history while fostering discussions among various stakeholders on pressing matters related to national security and foreign policy.
A significant highlight of this year’s festival will be the launch of Project Shaurya Gatha, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Military Affairs in collaboration with the United Services Institution of India (USI). Through this project, the government seeks to preserve and promote the country’s military heritage, emphasizing education and tourism as key components.
The festival will also feature the unveiling of several notable military publications. Among these are “Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971” authored by retired Air Marshal Vikram Singh, “Valour and Honour,” a collaborative work by the Indian Army and USI, and “Silent Weapons, Deadly Secrets: Unveiling the Bioweapons Arms Race” by author Mrinmayee Bhushan.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a photo exhibition presented by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which will highlight its significant contributions to the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) through various innovations in defense research. This exhibition is set to showcase DRDO’s history and milestones toward achieving self-reliance in defense technology.
Youth engagement is another key aspect of the IMHF, as NCC (National Cadet Corps) cadets and students from schools and colleges across Delhi and the National Capital Region will participate actively in the festival. Their involvement is aimed at motivating young individuals to explore potential careers in the armed forces. Informative stalls representing the three Services will be set up to educate attendees on career opportunities within the military.
This year’s festival has garnered support from an extensive network of organizations, including the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Military Affairs, the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force, DRDO, the Department of Tourism in Ladakh, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Ministry of Culture, and the British High Commission.
The inaugural IMHF took place on October 21-22 of the previous year at the Manekshaw Centre and featured performances by military bands, as well as various exhibits showcasing different facets and initiatives undertaken by the Indian armed forces. This year’s festival is expected to build on that foundation by engaging with both global and Indian think-tanks, corporations, public and private sectors, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and research scholars, all while focusing on India’s national security and military history.
