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The Indian Military Heritage Festival

The Indian Military Heritage Festival

The Indian Military Heritage Festival is the flagship annual event organised by the USI of India through its Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS) to increase public awareness of India’s military history traditions and strategic priorities. The first annual IMHF was held on 21-22 October 2023 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, drawing an overwhelming public response and extensive media coverage. Featuring multiple high-profile panel discussions, exhibition kiosks, and cultural programs, the event was inaugurated by Shri Rajnath Singh, the Hon’ble Defence Minister of India, and received delegations from all branches of India’s armed forces. The second IMHF was held at the India International Centre in New Delhi on 08-09 November 2024 and was inaugurated by General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff. The third edition of the IMHF is tentatively set to be hosted on 14-15 November 2025. The Festival aims to create an international platform to generate discussion of debate using contemporary writings on Indian military history and heritage; and to further military engagement and diplomacy by establishing communication channels with partner nations and organisations.

Speakers

"Powerful Voices, Insightful Perspectives"

Thiru. R. N. Ravi

Thiru. R. N. Ravi

Hon'ble Governor of Tamil Nadu

Thiru R N Ravi was born in Patna, Bihar and did his Masters in Physics in 1974. After a brief stint in journalism, he joined the Indian Police Service in 1976 and was allotted to the Kerala Cadre.

Thiru R N Ravi was born in Patna, Bihar and did his Masters in Physics in 1974. After a brief stint in journalism, he joined the Indian Police Service in 1976 and was allotted to the Kerala Cadre. He served in Kerala in various capacities including Districts for over a decade and then in different parts of the country in various capacities. While serving in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he led several anti-corruption crusades against organized criminal gangs including the mining mafias in the country.
While in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the premier intelligence agency of the country, he served largely in theatres of insurgencies and violence including in Jammu & Kashmir, the North East, and Maoist-infected regions. He also specialized in the dynamics of human migration in South Asia and worked extensively on the political sociology of border populations.
He has played crucial roles in conflict resolutions in areas affected by ethnic insurgencies and brought several armed rebel groups into peace. He was the architect of India’s international cooperation in counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing. After retirement from Government service in 2012, he wrote regular columns in national dailies.
He was appointed as the Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee in the Prime Minister’s Office, whereas as the Head of the Intelligence Community, he coordinated and guided the agencies to meet the National Security needs of the Country.
He was appointed as the Centre’s Interlocutor for the Naga peace talks in August 2014. Within a short time, he could achieve a paradigm shift in the peace process by bringing the issue from abroad to the land and its people and making it truly inclusive by making the genuine stakeholders integral to it. Soon all the rebel armed groups signed agreements for a settlement of the seven decades-old separatist insurgency within the Indian Union and the ambit of the Constitutions of India, which could usher in peace in Nagaland and the rest of North-East India. He was appointed as Deputy National Security Advisor in October 2018.
He served as the Governor of Nagaland from 01st August 2019 till 16th September 2021. He has been appointed as the Governor of Tamil Nadu by the Hon’ble President of India and assumed the office as 26th Governor of Tamil Nadu on 18th September 2021.

Shri Sanjay Seth

Shri Sanjay Seth

Minister of State for Defence, Government of India

Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, is a two-term Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Ranchi, Jharkhand. A dedicated public servant for over four decades, he has been actively involved in politics and social service since his student years.

Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, is a two-term Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Ranchi, Jharkhand. A dedicated public servant for over four decades, he has been actively involved in politics and social service since his student years. An alumnus of St. John’s High School, Ranchi, he holds a B.Com, a PG Diploma in Business Administration from the Delhi Institute of Management and Services, and an LL.B. from Chotanagpur Law College.
Before entering Parliament, he served as Chairman, Jharkhand State Khadi Village Industries Board (2016–2019) and as President of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (2000). A lifelong member of the BJP, he has held several key organizational roles in the party since 1980.
Deeply committed to social causes, Shri Seth founded impactful initiatives such as the Namo Book Bank, Namo Toy Bank, and Namo E-Library, benefiting thousands of students and rural communities. His long-standing association with civic organizations and his leadership reflect his vision of inclusive development and national service.

General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC

General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

General Anil Chauhan is the current Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, serving since September 30, 2022. A four-star general with nearly 40 years of service,

General Anil Chauhan is the current Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, serving since September 30, 2022. A four-star general with nearly 40 years of service, he has extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and North-East India.
Born on May 18, 1961, he was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1981. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, he commanded an Infantry Division in Baramula, a corps in the North East, and the Eastern Command from September 2019 until his retirement in May 2021. He has also served as Director General of Military Operations and participated in a UN mission to Angola.
General Chauhan’s distinguished service has earned him the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.

Shri Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati

Shri Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati

Shri Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati is a distinguished public figure, social reformer, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), widely respected for his commitment to social justice, cultural preservation, and public welfare.

Shri Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati is a distinguished public figure, social reformer, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), widely respected for his commitment to social justice, cultural preservation, and public welfare. A direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he represents the 13th generation of the illustrious Maratha lineage, carrying forward a proud legacy of leadership, courage, and service.
Nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2016 by the President of India, Shri Sambhaji Raje actively raised issues related to education, rural development, youth empowerment, and cultural conservation. A prominent voice for the Maratha community, he led the movement for equitable access to education and employment through constitutional and peaceful means.
As the Head of the Raigad Development Authority, he oversees the restoration and revitalization of Raigad Fort—the coronation site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—ensuring its preservation as a symbol of Maharashtra’s cultural pride. His initiatives promote heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and youth engagement with India’s rich history.
Beyond politics, he continues to champion philanthropy in education, healthcare, and skill development. Shri Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati embodies humility, integrity, and foresight—values that inspire generations to contribute to nation-building while upholding the timeless Maratha ethos of courage and service.

General NC Vij, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM (Retd)

General NC Vij, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM (Retd)

Gen Vij was the 21st Chief of the Army Staff from Dec of India from Dec 2002- Feb 2005. He was the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during the very successful operations by Indian Army for eviction of Pakistani Intruders in Kargil in 1999.

Gen Vij was the 21st Chief of the Army Staff from Dec of India from Dec 2002- Feb 2005. He was the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during the very successful operations by Indian Army for eviction of Pakistani Intruders in Kargil in 1999. He was Vice Chief of the Army during OP PARAKRAM.
His tenure as the Chief is remembered for many notable improvements in operational & administrative postures of the Army. The most notable amongst them being the laying of 740 Km long fence along the Line of Control within one year plus, which brought the infiltration down to insignificant numbers.
After his superannuation from the Army, he was appointed Founder Vice Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority, in the rank of Cabinet Minister, for five years from Sep 2005 - 2010. He was a member of the VIF for almost 7 years and then took over as Director, after Mr Ajit Doval became the NSA. Gen Vij finally left the VIF in 2017.
He is the author of the books ‘The Kashmir Conundrum - The Quest for Peace in a Troubled Land’ and ‘Alone in the Ring - Decision Making in Critical Times’.

Air Mshl (Dr) Rajeev Sachdeva, AVSM (Retd)

Air Mshl (Dr) Rajeev Sachdeva, AVSM (Retd)

Air Marshal Rajeev Sachdeva AVSM, PhD (Retd) had a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force (IAF), culminating in his role as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and Additional Secretary (Air) at the Defence Ministry under the first Chief of Defence Staff.

Air Marshal Rajeev Sachdeva AVSM, PhD (Retd) had a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force (IAF), culminating in his role as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and Additional Secretary (Air) at the Defence Ministry under the first Chief of Defence Staff. Air Marshal Sachdeva is an alumnus of prestigious institutions such as FIS, CDM, and NDC. A Cat ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, he has logged over 7,200 hours on various transport and trainer aircraft. He is a Certified ‘A’ Project Manager and holds a Doctorate in Business Management. Air Marshal Sachdeva also holds important positions in various prestigious institutions across the country. He is a Distinguished Fellow at USI and CAPS. His previous leadership roles included commanding An-32 Squadron, CI at Fixed Wing Training Faculty, Centre Director (Aviation) NTRO and SASO, HQ SAC. He has co-authored DAP-2020 and established key verticals like the Defence Space Agency, Defence Cyber Agency and Special Operations Division as DCIDS (Ops) in 2018. A recipient of the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2016, he has also contributed to numerous academic publications and lectures across military and civil institutions.

Air Mshl A K Bharti, SYSM, AVSM, VM

Air Mshl A K Bharti, SYSM, AVSM, VM

Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM, AVSM, VM took over as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff wef 01 Jun 25. The Air Marshal is an alumnus of National Defence Academy.

Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM, AVSM, VM took over as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff wef 01 Jun 25.
The Air Marshal is an alumnus of National Defence Academy. He was commissioned in the Fighter stream of the IAF on 13 Jun 1987, wherein he passed out of Air Force Academy with the coveted “Sword of Honour”. He has over 3300 hrs of flying experience on various Fighters and Trainer aircraft and is a Fighter Combat Leader. He is also an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College Wellington and National Defence College. In his 38 years of illustrious service, the Air Marshal has held a number of significant field and staff appointments. These include Commanding Officer of a SU-30 MKI Squadron, Chief Operations Officer and
Air Officer commanding of premier fighter bases, AVM (AV) Strat at HQ SFC,
Air Officer Commanding Advance HQ EAC, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Offensive) at Air HQ (VB) and Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Central Air Command. He was also a part of the IAF Training Team at Malaysia, to set up the Sukhoi Squadron and train the pilots of the Royal Malaysian Air Force on Sukhoi-30 MKM aircraft. Prior to taking over as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, the Air Officer was the Director General Air Operations at Air HQ (VB), wherein he actively planned and coordinated activities during Operation Sindoor.
In recognition of his distinguished service, the Air Marshal was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 2008, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025 by the Hon’ble President of India. He is married to Wg Cdr Sangeeta Malla (Retd) and blessed with two children.

Air Mshl VK Bhatia, PVSM, AVSM, VrC** (Retd)

Air Mshl VK Bhatia, PVSM, AVSM, VrC** (Retd)

Air Marshal Bhatia was awarded the Veer Chakra (VrC) twice, for striking deep into enemy territory during the wars of 1965 and 1971. He is also a recipient of the PVSM and AVSM Presidential awards for distinguished services of the highest order.

Air Marshal Bhatia was awarded the Veer Chakra (VrC) twice, for striking deep into enemy territory during the wars of 1965 and 1971. He is also a recipient of the PVSM and AVSM Presidential awards for distinguished services of the highest order.
He has a total of 5,500 hours of flying to his credit, accumulated on approximately 20 types of fighters, including Mysteres and Hunters (1960s), MiG-21s and Su-7s (1970s), as well as on military transport aircraft and helicopters such as An-32, Avro HS-748, Dornier 228, Chetak/Cheetah, and Mi-8/Mi-17.
He has been a Qualified Pilot Attack Instructor and an Air Force Examiner.
A pilot of outstanding repute, Air Marshal Bhatia held a multitude of command and staff appointments at all levels of the IAF during his illustrious career spanning more than 40 years.

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Schedule

Programme Details

Day 1 | 14 November 2025

Day 2 | 15 November 2025

Featured At

Special Highlights and Exhibits

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Inauguration - Proj Udbhav

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Band Performance by Indian Army

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Band Performance by Indian Navy

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Band Performance by Indian Air Force

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Exhibition

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Future of the Nation

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Bookseller Stall

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Closing Ceremony

Venue

United Service Institution of India,
New Delhi

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