Youth should know about role of armed forces: Rajnath Singh at India military heritage festival

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the inaugural edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival today, on October 21, 2023. The inauguration took place at an event aimed at celebrating India’s military culture and heritage. The festival, spanning two days, promises to engage the nation in a multifaceted exploration through conversations, art, dance, drama, story-telling, and exhibitions. Scholars, practitioners, and both serving and retired officers led the panel discussions, offering diverse perspectives on this rich legacy.

At the heart of the festival lies the launch of ‘Project Udbhav’, a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India. The project seeks to augment the ‘indigenous discourse’ by integrating ancient strategic wisdom into the modern military domain. According to an official release, this forward-thinking initiative acknowledges India's historical wealth of ancient texts and manuscripts that encompass a vast array of sophisticated strategies in statecraft, warfare, and diplomacy.

Speaking at the event, Singh emphasised that the festival will serve as a source of inspiration for the youth of the nation, shedding light on the unparalleled bravery and pivotal role of the Armed Forces in securing the country. He expressed confidence that it will kindle a deeper interest in Indian military history and the heroic feats of its personnel.

Despite India’s extensive military history and strategic culture, there remains a widespread lack of awareness about its diverse aspects, as stated in the MoD statement. The festival aspires to set a new standard for public engagement with military history, aligning with the modernization goals of the Armed Forces in the 21st century, the Defence Ministry added in the statement.

The festival aims to revive the study of Indian military culture, traditions, and history, while contributing substantially to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Additionally, as per MoD, it provides a platform for discussions on contemporary security, strategy, and international relations issues concerning India and the world.

Highlights of the festival included military band performances, featuring the Army Symphony Band and brass band displays, ending in a Cultural Gala Evening. The MoD further stated that the exhibition, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Heritage, Ministry of Culture, will showcase achievements in the nation's military history.