CDS General Anil Chauhan Inaugurates 2nd Annual Indian Military Heritage Festival, Launches Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’

New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan inaugurated the second annual Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi today. This two-day festival, held on November 8-9, 2024, brings together global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector undertakings, non-profits, academicians, and research scholars to discuss India’s national security, foreign policy, military history, and military heritage.

In a notable highlight, General Chauhan launched Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’, a joint initiative of the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution (USI) of India. The project aims to preserve and promote India’s military heritage through educational programs and tourism, fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s rich martial traditions and inspiring future generations.

General Chauhan also unveiled several significant publications on Indian military history and achievements. Among them were “Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War, December 1971” by Air Marshal Vikram Singh (Retd), “Valour and Honour”, a collaborative work between the Indian Army and the USI of India, and “War-Wounded, Disabled Soldiers, and Cadets”, a joint publication by the USI and the War Wounded Federation.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also showcased a photo exhibition detailing its journey and contributions toward an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, highlighting innovative defence research achievements. National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from the Delhi NCR area participated, and informational stalls from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force displayed insights into each service’s roles and career opportunities for aspiring youth.

Despite India’s extensive military history, much of the general public remains unaware of the nation’s military heritage and security issues. The Indian Military Heritage Festival aims to address this gap by enhancing public understanding of India’s military traditions, contemporary security challenges, and the efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence through Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The festival’s activities underscore India’s strategic culture and national security priorities, bringing this awareness to the cultural calendar and fostering greater appreciation of the Indian Armed Forces’ legacy.