Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan inaugurated the second edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi today. This two-day event, held on November 8-9, designed to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector entities, nonprofits, academics, and researchers, focused on India’s national security, foreign policy, military history, and heritage.
During the opening ceremony, General Chauhan also launched “Project Shaurya Gatha,” a collaboration between the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution (USI) of India. This project aims to preserve and promote India’s military heritage through educational initiatives and tourism.
In addition to this, the CDS released several notable publications on military topics: Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971 by Air Marshal Vikram Singh (Retd), Valour and Honour (a joint effort by the Indian Army and USI of India), and War-wounded, Disabled Soldiers, and Cadets (a joint publication by USI and the War Wounded Federation).
Watch | CDS General Anil Chauhan inaugurated the 2nd edition of the ‘Indian Military Heritage Festival’ in New Delhi today, where history came alive with the launch of ‘Project Shaurya Gatha’ and the unveiling of three books, paying tribute to India’s proud military legacy and… pic.twitter.com/Evb4wyimOi
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) November 8, 2024
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) contributed a photo exhibition showcasing its journey and innovations supporting India’s defence self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The festival also featured informational stalls from the three Armed Services, highlighting their roles and the various opportunities available to young aspirants. NCC cadets from across Delhi NCR participated actively in the event, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.
Despite India’s rich military history and strategic legacy, public awareness of the nation’s military heritage remains limited. The Indian Military Heritage Festival aims to bridge this gap, fostering a deeper understanding of India’s military traditions, contemporary security issues, and efforts toward self-reliance in defence capabilities. The Defence Ministry hopes the festival would enrich both the national discourse and India’s cultural calendar.
Team BharatShakti
