A cooperative effort between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India ‘Project Udbhav,’ was launched at the first-ever Indian Military Heritage Festival in New Delhi. This project aims to promote indigenous military knowledge by merging ancient strategic insights with modern military practices.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday opened the festival which spans two days, is dedicated to celebrating India’s long-standing military traditions and history that have developed over many centuries. There will be discussions, art, dance, storytelling, and exhibitions. Distinguished scholars, active-duty, and retired officers will participate in panel discussions, offering various perspectives.
During this event, high-ranking military officials, including Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Lt Gen JP Mathew, and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, were present.
Singh expressed that the Indian Military Heritage Festival is a platform to showcase the unwavering bravery and invaluable role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation over the past few decades. And stated that it will inspire the youth and spark their curiosity about India’s military history and heroic deeds.
The Military Heritage Festival’s primary goal is to enhance public engagement with military history and heritage while aligning with the development objectives of the Armed Forces in the 21st century. It aims to revitalize the study of Indian military culture, traditions, and history, contributing to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. The festival also serves as a platform for discussing contemporary issues related to security, strategy, and international relations.
The festival features military band performances, such as the Army Symphony Band and Brass band displays, along with a Cultural Gala Evening. An exhibition, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, will highlight key milestones and achievements in India’s illustrious military history.
About Project Udbhav
This is born from the realization that current global military concepts, largely influenced by western armies, do not fully cater to the unique needs and rich cultural-strategic heritage of the Indian Army. It acknowledges India’s wealth of ancient texts and manuscripts that offer diverse and contextually rich strategies in statecraft, warfare, and diplomacy. This project aims to develop new, locally relevant military concepts that build on existing strategies while incorporating the rich tactical and strategic wisdom found in historical documents.
‘Project Udbhav’ is envisioned as a hub for indigenous strategic developments, rooted in India’s philosophical and cultural heritage. It sets the stage for a progressive and adaptable Indian Army that respects historical military wisdom while aligning with the demands of contemporary warfare and diplomacy. The project involves in-depth research, discussions, studies, and the dissemination of India’s often under-explored treasures of strategic thought and military history.