Indian Military Heritage Festival
The Indian Military Heritage Festival is the flagship annual event organized by the USI of India through its Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS) with the aim of increasing public awareness of India’s military traditions and strategic priorities. Within a short span of two years, this festival has gained tremendous attention and support, establishing itself as a unique platform that bridges India's rich military heritage with contemporary challenges. The IMHF unites global and Indian think tanks, institutions, academicians, and corporations, fostering a deeper connection between our armed forces and the citizens they protect. Through engaging discussions, cultural displays, and interactive exhibits, the festival celebrates and explores India's military legacy.
USI organised the first annual Indian Military Heritage Festival, on 21-22 Oct, 2023 at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The Festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, on 21 Oct 2023 along with the launch of ‘Project Udbhav’ a joint collaboration of the Indian Army and USI to promote an indigenous strategic discourse through exploration and integration of India’s ancient strategic acumen into the contemporary military domain. Over the course of two days, the festival primarily brought forward different understandings and perspectives through panel discussions between eminent scholars, practitioners, and serving as well as retired officers.
The festival also welcomed eminent guest that includes Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Mr Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and other senior officers from the armed forces along with various stakeholders from the defence field.
The festival also showcased the military culture through band performances from the three services and a Cultural Gala Evening through an amalgamation of classical and folk dances named ‘Matri Bhoomi’. An exhibition ‘The Military History of India : From Antiquity to the Present’ to highlight and celebrate select milestones and achievements in our nation's long and illustrious military history was also organized in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Heritage, Ministry of Culture.
The Second edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) was hosted by the USI at the India International Centre (IIC) from 08 – 09 Nov 2024. The festival was inaugurated by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM. The two days events blended discussions on history with concerns of present and visions of the future. Through engaging discussions, cultural displays and interactive exhibits, this festival celebrates and explores India’s Military Legacy. IMHF 2024 was supported by Ministry of Defence, Department of Military Affairs,Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Airforce, DRDO, Tourism department of Ladakh and Arunanchal Pradesh and the British High Commission.
A photo exhibition by DRDO was also showcased highlighting India’s stride towards Atmanirbhar Bharat through Innovations in defense.
Details on Indian Military Heritage festival can also be accessed online through LINK of Indian Military Heritage festival website
LINK of Indian Military Heritage festival website https://indianmilitaryheritagefestival.in/