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India's Military Heritage Festival: How USI Bridges Security and Public Awareness

The United Service Institution just wrapped up its third annual military heritage festival in New Delhi. Senior defense leaders and policymakers gathered to discuss everything from future warfare to historical conflicts. They showcased amazing military art and launched several important books about India's armed forces. This festival really helps bridge the gap between military professionals and the public.

Key Points: USI Hosts Third Indian Military Heritage Festival in Delhi

  • CDS General Anil Chauhan attended with Defence Minister Sanjay Seth inaugurating
  • Exhibition featured iconic military paintings by Lt Col Arul Raj
  • Sessions covered Operation Sindoor and future warfare technologies
  • Released publications on UN peacekeeping and Indian armed forces honors
2 min read

USI hosts third Indian Military Heritage festival to promote public awareness on security, heritage

USI's military heritage festival brings together defense leaders, policymakers and public to explore India's security challenges and celebrate military legacy through exhibitions and discussions.

"The festival provided a vibrant space to showcase India's military heritage, engage on contemporary strategic & security issues - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, November 16

The United Service Institution of India (USI) hosted the Third Annual Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) at its New Delhi campus on November 14-15, bringing together senior military leaders, policymakers, diplomats, scholars, authors, think-tanks, industry representatives and the public.

The festival was inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth and was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

The festival provided a vibrant space to showcase India's military heritage, engage on contemporary strategic & security issues and highlight emerging ideas shaping the country's defence ecosystem.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Third Annual Edition featured an exhibition of iconic military paintings by Lt Col Arul Raj (Retd) and the release of notable publications, including The Sukraniti: Statecraft and Warcraft by Col PK Gautam (Retd), Honours and Awards of the Indian Armed Forces by Dr AK Mishra, and 75 Years of India's Contribution to UN Peacekeeping by Maj Gen PK Goswami, VSM (Retd).

Distinguished dignitaries, including the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, and Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, also graced the occasion.

Across Day 1, sessions explored themes including Operation Sindoor: Catalysing Aatmanirbhar Bharat, The War India Forgot, The Foundations of India's Strategic Autonomy, Future Conflicts and Strategic Horizons, Contested Partitions, and Technology and Strategy: Adapting Warfare for the Future.

The day concluded with a special conversation between senior journalist Ms Suhasini Haidar and Ambassador Rajiv Sikri, IFS (Retd), on India's evolving foreign policy in Rising India Engages the World.

On Day 2, sessions explored Great Indian Military Leaders and Military Systems, Taming the Waves, Military Biographies, Tussles over Tibet, Assam's Modern Journey, BSF and Bangladesh, Valour and Honour: Indian Army through the Ages and Lessons from the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

Discussions also covered heritage conservation at Raigad, landmark judgments on women in the armed forces, Asian strategic thought and fiction as a tool of historical memory. The festival concluded with closing addresses by the CDS and the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, as well as the release of publications and a band presentation.

Since its inaugural edition in 2023 at the Manekshaw Centre, the 2025 edition continued the tradition of strengthening its role as a premier platform celebrating India's military heritage. For further details, please visit: https://usiofindia.org/milfest/

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, we're giving our armed forces the recognition they deserve. The sessions on Operation Sindoor and Aatmanirbhar Bharat show how military strategy connects with national development. More such events needed across India!
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the effort, I wish there was more focus on making this accessible to common people beyond Delhi. Most Indians outside major cities never get to experience such events. Hope they consider regional editions.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in defence research, I'm particularly excited about the technology and future warfare sessions. India needs to stay ahead in defence technology, and such discussions are crucial for innovation.
V
Vikram M
The session on "The War India Forgot" caught my attention. There are so many unsung heroes and forgotten battles in our military history. Glad to see institutions like USI preserving these stories for future generations. Jai Hind! 🙏
M
Michael C
Excellent to see discussions on women in armed forces and landmark judgments. India's military is evolving, and such conversations are essential for progress. The diversity of topics covered shows comprehensive thinking about defence.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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