Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to Inaugurate Indian Military Heritage Festival 2023

The second edition of a festival celebrating India's military heritage is set to begin in New Delhi on Friday. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan will inaugurate the event, with the three Service chiefs also attending. The festival aims to highlight India's military history and engage various stakeholders in discussions on national security and foreign policy.

The Defence Ministry announced that the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) will also see the launch of Project Shaurya Gatha. This initiative, by the Department of Military Affairs and the think-tank USI, seeks to preserve and promote India's military heritage through education and tourism.

Focus on Military Publications

One of the festival's highlights will be the release of significant publications on military topics. Notable books include "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 by the Indian Army and USI, and "Silent Weapons, Deadly Secrets: Unveiling the Bioweapons Arms Race" by Mrinmayee Bhushan.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will present a photo exhibition showcasing its contributions to Atmanirbhar Bharat through defence research innovations. This exhibition aims to highlight DRDO's journey and achievements in fostering self-reliance in defence technology.

Engaging Youth and Promoting Careers

NCC cadets and students from schools and colleges across Delhi and NCR will participate in the festival. Their involvement is intended to inspire young people to consider careers in the armed forces. Informative stalls from the three Services will display their roles and opportunities for aspiring youth.

This year's festival receives support from several organisations, including 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.

Previous Festival Highlights

The inaugural IMHF took place on October 21-22 last year at the Manekshaw Centre. It showcased India's military culture through performances by military bands from the three Services. Various exhibits highlighted diverse aspects and initiatives of the Indian armed forces.

The two-day festival aims to engage global and Indian think-tanks, corporations, public and private sector undertakings, non-profit organisations, academicians, and research scholars. The focus is on India's national security, foreign policy, military history, and military heritage.