The second edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) is set to take place on November 8th and 9th, 2024. It is being organized by the United Service Institution of India (USI) in collaboration with the India International Centre (IIC).

This Festival seeks to engage the public in discussions surrounding India’s military history, contemporary security concerns, and future visions, all while honouring India’s rich military legacy.

The IMHF 2024 is not merely a celebration of military achievements; it represents an opportunity for participants to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces. The festival aims to facilitate meaningful dialogues about the future of India’s military and national security landscape. By focusing on heritage, security, and self-reliance, the festival seeks to deepen the connection between India’s past and present, inspiring future leaders while fostering a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency within the defence sector.

As the festival approaches, it becomes increasingly evident that the IMHF will revitalize cultural traditions linked to the Armed Forces. It will provide an invaluable space for discussions that connect heritage and history, with contemporary national security concerns. Participants will include a diverse array of stakeholders – Indian and international corporations, public sector undertakings, non-profits, think tanks, and high-net-worth individuals dedicated to national security and philanthropy. The event will also welcome students, academicians, research scholars, and the general public, creating a rich space for dialogue and exchange of ideas.

Educational focus on national security dynamics

One of the key objectives of the IMHF is to familiarize future leaders with the dynamics of national security, emphasizing the critical role that military history plays in shaping effective defence strategies. Interactive sessions featuring military experts will enhance participants’ understanding of India’s strategic culture and its modernization efforts.

In addition to engaging discussions and panels, the IMHF serves as an important platform for launching new publications that delve into relevant military themes. This year’s festival will showcase the release of several new books, each contributing to the discourse on military history and national security. These literary works will be accompanied by panel discussions that explore their content and significance, enriching the overall festival experience.

Featured publications

Among the notable publications being launched at the festival is Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971 by Air Marshal Vikram Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd). This book represents the culmination of years of dedicated research and offers an in-depth examination of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Characterized as the last traditional war between two nations utilizing second-generation weapons with minimal technological disparity, the book sheds light on the impact of this conflict on military strategy.

Another significant publication is Silent Weapons, Deadly Secrets: Unveiling the Bioweapons Arms Race, authored by Dr. Mrinmayee Bhushan and edited by Lt Gen Vinod Khandare, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd). This book embarks on a century-long exploration of the secretive world of biological terrorism and warfare, revealing critical, yet often overlooked milestones that have driven the global bioweapons arms race.

Additionally, a report titled War Wounded, Disabled Soldiers, and Cadets by Ms. Meghna Girish will be launched under the Chair of Excellence established by the USI and the War Wounded Foundation. This report focuses on the experiences of disabled soldiers and advocates for improved support systems and societal recognition for their sacrifices.

The festival will also feature Valour and Honour: Indian Army Through the Ages, a comprehensive history of the Indian Army that aims to make its legacy accessible to a broader audience. This book coincides with the launch of Shaurya Gatha, an initiative by the Department of Military Affairs and USI aimed at promoting Battlefield Tourism. This initiative is expected to serve as an authoritative resource highlighting historic battlefields, the evolution of the Indian Armed Forces and the conservation of India’s rich military heritage.

The Indian Military Heritage Festival 2024 aims to foster meaningful dialogue around India’s military heritage. Overall, the festival provides an opportunity for participants to engage in discussions that resonate with the complexities of India’s military landscape and its future, while ensuring that the sacrifices of those who served are not forgotten.

END OF ARTICLE