The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
USI Hosted Book Launch “Civil-Military Fusion as a Metric of National Power and Comprehensive Security” authored by Lt Gen Raj Shukla, PVSM, YSM, SM (Retd) & “Timeless Military Paintings by Lt Col Arul Raj”, authored by Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM (Retd) held at the Major General Samir Sinha Auditorium on 22 October 2025.
The day commenced with the launch of the book “Civil-Military Fusion as a Metric of National Power and Comprehensive Security” authored by Lt Gen Raj Shukla, PVSM, YSM, SM (Retd). The event was graced by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, as the Chief Guest. The programme featured addresses by General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff, and General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff, who highlighted the strategic imperative of strengthening institutional synergy to enhance India’s comprehensive national power and security preparedness. The book launch was conducted under the guidance of Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Director General, USI, who reaffirmed USI’s commitment to fostering forward-looking national security discourse.
This was followed by the unveiling of the Coffee Table Book “Timeless Military Paintings by Lt Col Arul Raj”, authored by Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM (Retd). The event featured the presence of General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Director General, USI, Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM (Retd), Lt Col Arul Raj (Retd), and Sqn Ldr Rana Chhina, MBE (Retd). The ceremony celebrated the enduring power of military art in documenting the history, courage and legacy of the Indian Armed Forces.
These back-to-back events drew distinguished participation from senior serving and retired military leaders, strategic experts, scholars and members of the wider policy fraternity — reflecting USI’s unique role as a custodian of military heritage and a premier centre for strategic thought and dialogue.