The COAS delivered a keynote address during General BC Joshi memorial lecture organised by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU on 27 November at Pune. This annual event pays tribute to the memory and legacy of late General BC Joshi, Ex COAS, a distinguished leader who made significant contributions to both the Indian Army and the field of higher education.
The event was attended physically by academic scholars, military officials, students, faculties and distinguished guests, and streamed live to all students of the university.
General Dwivedi, in his talk on the topic “Role and Contribution of Indian Army in Securing India’s Growth Story,” highlighted the pivotal role of the Indian Army in not only safeguarding the nation’s borders but also contributing to national development, security and strategic growth. Excerpts from the COAS talk are as given below: –
- Security as an Enabler of Growth: The COAS emphasised that security is a vital enabler of sustainable growth, not an obstacle, and that the Indian Army is a key provider of security for a “Progressive” and “Peaceful” India by 2047.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): The COAS mentioned that the NDMA was conceptualised under the aegis of General NC Vij who had first-hand experience of Bhuj Earthquake in the Year 2001. The Indian Army has contributed significantly to disaster relief efforts, including creating 17 HADR bricks for emergency response across India.
- Border Area Tourism: The COAS highlighted the promotion of border tourism in 48 identified areas and said that the Army has the potential to double tourist numbers in the next five years. The Army also supports adventure activities and tourism, including initiatives like the Trans-Himalayan trek and opening battlefields like Kargil and Siachen Glacier to tourists.
- Infrastructure Development: The Indian Army contributes to national infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and telecommunications, aligned with national projects like PM Gati Shakti. In the past five years, 4,400 km of roads and 19 km of bridges have been constructed, with more projects planned, including vital roads in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Smart Borders and Connectivity: The Indian Army facilitates improved communication in remote areas by providing mobile connectivity to villages along the borders and using green energy for power in the Himalayas.
- Economic Development and Employment: The Indian Army creates economic opportunities through local businesses and its humanitarian efforts. Its Operation Sadbhavana fosters trust between the military and local communities, with an outlay of Rs 150 Crores for Northern Border initiatives.
- Socio-Cultural Contributions: The Indian Army promotes national integration and unity through its apolitical, areligious stance, fostering camaraderie. It supports educational projects, traditional sports, and socio-economic initiatives like creating museums and promoting local cultures.
- Education, Health, and Environment: The Indian Army runs educational institutions, including 430 Army Public Schools/ Army Pre Primary Schools and facilitates management of Sainik Schools besides being involved in healthcare initiatives, such as providing medical support in remote areas. It also advocates for environmental conservation through afforestation and water body rejuvenation projects.
- Mission Olympics 2036: The Indian Army is preparing for the 2036 Olympics by developing a talent pool through sports programs and organising events like the Durand Cup and Kashmir Premier League.
- Environmental Sustainability: The Indian Army is committed to ecological sustainability, planting millions of saplings, rejuvenating water bodies, and contributing to national initiatives like the Clean Ganga Mission.
- Economic Contributions: The Indian Army plays a significant role in India’s self-reliance, with 85% of its capital expenditure on ‘Made in India’ defence hardware. It is also driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, contributing significantly to local economies, such as in Ladakh.
- Technological Advancements: The Indian Army is aligned with national technological missions and promotes indigenous defence technology development, with numerous projects in areas like cyber, communication, and space. It supports startups and MSMEs under various initiatives.
- Defence Diplomacy: The COAS emphasised the role of Indian Army in enhancing India’s global strategic influence, participating in UN peacekeeping missions, and expanding its defence diplomacy efforts through defence wings worldwide. The Army’s contribution to international peacekeeping and training foreign personnel strengthens India’s global alliances.
The event reflected a strong bond between the university and the armed forces, an enduring partnership that General BC Joshi helped nurture. General Joshi, during his tenure as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, was a stalwart of the university community. His legacy includes delivering the convocation address at SPPU and laying the foundation stone for the university’s iconic “Gateway of Knowledge,” which was later renamed as the “General BC Joshi Dwar” in his honour following his untimely demise on 18th November 1994.
In addition to his military service, General BC Joshi’s foresight in higher education led to the establishment of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Chair in Policy Studies at the university. He also advocated for strengthening the relationship between the university and the armed forces, particularly in the areas of national security, policy analysis, and strategic studies.
General BC Joshi Memorial Lecture series, instituted jointly by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies and Headquarters Southern Command in 1995, was designed to recognise and perpetuate his contributions to national security and education. The series, which has been held annually ever since, serves as a platform for thought leaders and key figures in defence and strategic studies to engage in critical dialogue. In 2005, the Chief of Staff Committee resolved that the lecture would be delivered by one of the three Service Chiefs, rotating annually.
Team BharatShakti
(With Inputs from a Press Release)
