New Delhi || 08-11-2024 Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan inaugurated the 2nd edition of the Annual Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi today.
Aim of the two-day festival is to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector undertakings, non-profits, academicians, and research scholars focusing on India’s national security, foreign policy, military history and military heritage.
The inauguration of the festival witnessed the launch of Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’. The project is an initiative of the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution of India which aims to conserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism.
Addressing the gathering CDS General Anil Chauhan said “Upholding of the Dharma, which is deep rooted in the ancient Vedic states for the duty of the kings. Dharma was associated with duty righteousness, law and the ethical framework governing individual and social behaviour which is the unique to the Indian culture. The mourings of India’s Military Heritage are based on strong ideas, beliefs and principles. The heritage is as old as indian civilization and India’s socio political history”.
Prominent publications on military topics was key highlight of the event with book releases including: Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971 by Air Marshal Vikram Singh (Retd), Valour and Honour – a joint publication of the Indian Army and USI of India, and Silent Weapons, Deadly Secrets: Unveiling the Bioweapons Arms Race by Dr. Mrinmayee Bhushan, edited by Lt Gen Vinod Khandare (Retd), Principal Advisor MOD, among others.
This year, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) presenting a photo exhibition highlighting its journey and achievements in contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat through innovations in defence research.
The participation of NCC Cadets and students from schools and colleges across the Delhi NCR area inspiring the younger generation to consider careers in the armed forces. Informative stalls from the three Services showcasing their roles and the various opportunities available for aspiring youth.
This year’s festival is supported by the Ministry of Defence, Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Department of Tourism Ladakh, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Ministry of Culture, and the British High Commission.
The inaugural IMHF held on October 21-22, 2023, at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
