Indian Military Heritage Festival: MoS Seth calls from learning from history to strengthen military power (Lead)
New Delhi – On Friday, Defence Minister of State Sanjay Seth kicked off the third Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi. The two‑day event, held on Nov. 14‑15, was hosted by the United Service Institution of India (USI) and highlights India’s military history and national security.
Seth opened the festival with a message about the power of history. “This festival lets us connect with our glorious traditions and heroic tales,” he said. “Knowing our military past is more than pride; it builds a strong foundation for self‑reliance and national security.” He urged young people to study India’s armed‑forces legacy as a roadmap for the future.
The IMHF aims to spark dialogue among the army, navy and air force, government officials, diplomats, scholars, think‑tanks, industry leaders, and the public. The 2025 edition features exhibitions, panel talks and book launches that explore key moments in India’s military past.
Highlights include:
- An art showcase of iconic military paintings by retired Lt‑Col Arul Raj.
- New releases such as “The Sukraniti: Statecraft and War‑Craft” by Retd‑Col P.K. Gautam and “Honours & Awards of the Indian Armed Forces” by A.K. Mishra.
- Discussion panels titled Operation Sindoor, The War India Forgot, Contested Partitions, Tussles over Tibet, BSF and Bangladesh, Udbhav, Taming the Waves, Military Biographies, and Technology and Strategy.
- The launch of Project Shaurya Gatha, a partnership between the Department of Military Affairs and USI to preserve and promote military heritage through education and tourism.
Book releases drew international attention. Retd‑Air Marshal Vikram Singh’s Because of This: A History of the Indo‑Pak Air War December 1971, the joint Valour and Honour volume by the Indian Army and USI, and Silent Weapons, Deadly Secrets – Unveiling the Bioweapons Arms Race edited by Retd‑Lt‑Gen Vinod Khandare were all unveiled.
The event also showcased the Defence Research & Development Organisation’s photo exhibit, celebrating its achievements in “Atmanirbhar Bharat” innovations that bolster India’s defence capabilities.
A statement from the organizers noted that NCC cadets and students from schools and colleges across Delhi‑NCR were inspired by displays from the three services. Informative stalls highlighted career paths in the army, navy, and air force, encouraging the next generation to join the armed forces.
The inaugural IMHF ran last year from Oct. 21‑22 at the Manekshaw Centre, featuring performances by military bands and exhibits that showcased the rich culture of India’s armed forces. The second edition followed in 2024, and the 2025 festival promises another celebration of military heritage, national security, and India’s commitment to defense excellence.
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