Squadron Leader Rana TS Chhina (Retd), served in the Indian Air Force as a helicopter pilot. He is currently Director & Editor of the United Service Institution of India (USI) Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies. The author of a number of books, he was Vice President of the Indian Military Historical Society (2004-2020), and a member of the Government of India’s Archival Advisory Board. He is a member of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Independent Advisory Panel and is actively engaged in promoting the preservation of India’s rich tangible and intangible military heritage. A recipient of the Macgregor Medal for best military reconnaissance, he was appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2016 and an Officer of the Belgian Order of Leopold in 2018.
Major General Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd) was commissioned into the 18 Cavalry in December 1981, a Regiment he later had the honour of commanding. A second-generation officer, he is an alumnus of The Doon School, Dehra Dun, and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Over a distinguished career spanning 38 years in the Indian Army, he held numerous command, staff, and instructional appointments, serving in diverse terrains across the country. He commanded an Armoured Brigade in the Desert Sector where he oversaw its conversion to Arjun tanks as also commanded the prestigious First Armourd Division.
Major General Singh served as a United Nations Military Observer in Iraq and Kuwait during the period between the two Gulf Wars. He was Brigade Major of a Mountain Brigade actively involved in Counter Insurgency operations in the North East, worked in the Military Secretary’s Branch at Army Headquarters. Additionally, he served as Director of Tri-Services Institutes at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. As an Instructor, he made significant contributions to military education. He served two tenures at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, first as an Instructor and later as a Senior Instructor, and was also a Platoon Commander at the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun. In February 2018, he retired as the Director General of Resettlement, Ministry of Defence, where he played a vital role in the welfare and resettlement of Ex-Servicemen. A prolific writer on defence and national security issues, Major General Singh is also a skilled public speaker, sharing his insights on matters of strategic importance with diverse audiences. He has co-authored Armour 71 and also edited Honour & Valour.
Dr Archna Tyagi, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS).
With over 20 years of experience spanning government and non-governmental sectors, Dr. Tyagi has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting India’s military heritage. Currently leading key projects such as the Annual Indian Military Heritage Festival and Project Udbhav, she is dedicated to reviving ancient Indian knowledge for modern defense and strategic studies. She is also actively working towards establishing a National Policy for Military Heritage Tourism.
Dr. Tyagi’s previous role as Senior Consultant at the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) saw her leading vital projects, managing international seminars, and contributing to key cultural and academic initiatives. She has also worked with CARA (Ministry of Women & Child Development), National Bal Bhawan (Ministry of Education), and NGOs like HelpAge India, bringing a diverse and enriching perspective to her work.
Her dedication to Indian military history has earned her the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation (15 January 2025) for her exemplary work in conceptualizing and executing Project Udbhav. She also serves on the advisory board of the Pythian Games Council of India, is a board member at Alok Bharti Public School, and a lifetime member of INTACH, Delhi.
On a personal note, Dr. Tyagi is an Army wife, married to Brigadier Vipul Tyagi, and a proud mother to Sankalp (20) and Sarthak (18).
Cdr Bhavna Salaria (Retd) is a Senior Researcher Assistant at the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS), USI. She is an alumnus of INS, Mandovi (erstwhile Indian Naval Academy). With a 14 -year tenure in the Indian Navy’s Logistics Cadre, she brings a wealth of experience from her varied appointments. Post retirement, she has worked both with Public Sector Undertakings and Start-up. A high achiever, she is a gold medallist in her Bachelor’s degree and holds an MBA. Pursuing her passion for dance, she is currently studying Kathak at Pryagraj University.
Dr Anubhav Roy is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS), United Service Institution of India (USI), New Delhi. Previously, before joining the USI-CMHCS as a Research Fellow, he was an Assistant Professor of International Studies at the Amity University, Noida. He obtained his PhD at the University of Delhi and has worked on multiple research projects focusing on India's foreign affairs and contemporary global history. Several articles authored or co-authored by him have been published in leading academic journals.
Gaurav Kumar serves as the Project Leader for the Gallantry Awards Portal project. Previously, he worked as an Associate Fellow and Editorial Assistant at the United Service Institution of India (USI) and has also been associated with the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) as a researcher. Gaurav has an extensive body of work, having published over 100 articles, journal papers, and book chapters on topics such as regional security, peace and conflict, and internal and external threats in India and South Asia. He is the co-editor of two notable books India-Uzbekistan Partnership in Regional Peace and Stability: Challenges and Prospects and India's Emerging Challenges and Way Forward. His expertise and contributions to the field of security and strategic studies continue to influence discourse on critical issues in the region.
Saransh Srivastav is a Research Assistant at the USI. He holds a Master’s degree in History from Ambedkar University Delhi and has previously worked as a researcher with various academic and non-academic institutions. Before joining USI, Saransh worked at the Centre for Community Knowledge, where he contributed as a historical researcher to the Delhi City Museum project in collaboration with the Delhi Archives. His work involved conducting in-depth research and producing dissemination materials on Delhi’s industrial past, as well as developing a ‘Then and Now’ digital map of Shahjahanabad. At USI, his responsibilities include conducting specialised research on wars and military operations undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces post-independence and contributing to the development of an archival repository for the Gallantry Awardees of India as part of a joint project with the Ministry of Defence. His research interests lie in political and social history, urban history, preservation and archiving, and heritage studies, showcasing his dedication to exploring diverse facets of historical inquiry and preservation.
Dhananjay Shinde is a Research Assistant at the USI holds a Bachelor’s degree and has previously worked as a researcher with multiple think tanks. At the United Service Institution of India (USI), he is actively involved in defence and Indian armed forces-related research, contributing extensively to the documentation of India’s post-independence military history. His work focuses on highlighting the valour and sacrifice of Indian gallantry awardees, with significant contributions in the form of articles and write-ups. Additionally, Dhananjay is engaged in content creation and curation for the Gallantry Awards Portal project, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of India’s rich military legacy
Monika Choudhary is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies, United Service Institution of India. Currently, she is working on Gallantry Award Portal project for the Ministry of Defence and skilfully oversees social media initiatives as the Social Media Manager; also she is involved in the Veer Gatha 4.0 project, showcasing her commitment to honouring military valour. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Cluster University of Jammu, followed by a Master’s degree in National Security Studies from the Central University of Jammu. She specializes in research focused on West Asia and Nontraditional threats emanating from the Western Indian Ocean. Her previous experience at the National Maritime Foundation has significantly enhanced her understanding of maritime security and strategic studies.
Raj Kumar is a seasoned creative professional with over 24 years of experience in Motion Graphics and Film Making. Currently serving as a Creative Producer at USI, Raj has honed his expertise in post-production and creative strategy across a variety of industries. He has been recognized for his work by leading organizations such as GMR, MDP, and JWT, and has spearheaded high-profile promotional campaigns for renowned brands like National Geographic Channel (NGC), Hyundai, and DS Group. Raj holds a diploma in Multimedia from YMCA and is known for his innovative approach, consistently driving success and delivering fresh perspectives in every project he undertakes. An accomplished technician, Raj stays at the forefront of industry trends, continuously updating his knowledge with the latest technologies to enhance his creative output.
Shivansh Singh is a talented graphic designer at Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies, United Service Institution with a diploma in graphics and a two-year diploma in AAIP VFX from Arena Animation. With extensive experience collaborating with organizations such as AIGIN ROYAL Group and MEDYLIFE, as well as freelancing since 2020, Shivansh seamlessly blends creativity with technical prowess. He is proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and video editing, enabling him to deliver impactful visual solutions. Among his notable achievements are the design of the book My Book of Restraint and the creation of a VFX video for Arena Animation. A passionate photographer and lifelong learner, Shivansh is eager to contribute to innovative projects that push creative boundaries.
Aditya Bhalla is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies, United Service Institution (USI) of India. He graduated Cum Laude in History and International Relations with a minor in Political Science from Ashoka University. He also possesses a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Studies and Research. He has experience in policy formulation and data analysis from his internship at Ernst & Young’s Government and Public Sector division. He has served as the Head of Media and Marketing at the Ashoka Society for International Affairs (ASIA), enhancing his credentials in social media and digital engagement. His research interests focus on South Asia’s international history, particularly India’s foreign policy with regard to Pakistan. Currently at USI, he manages logistics and social media promotions for the Indian Military Heritage Festival and the Masters in International Conflict Studies Programme, further developing his skills in strategic communication and project management. He is keen to contribute to research projects analysing India’s evolving role in South Asia and its broader international relations, with a focus on strategic and policy-driven analysis.
Nutan Sharma is a dedicated Research Assistant at the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies, United Service Institution of India. She is currently working on the Gallantry Award Portal project for the Ministry of Defence. Additionally, she is involved in the Veer Gatha 4.0 project. Nutan holds a Bachelor's degree in English (Hons) from Delhi University and a Master's degree in English Literature from Chaudhry Charan Singh University (Meerut). Previously, she worked at Infocom Network Limited (TradeIndia) as a Senior Website Content Writer, focusing on B2B content.
Arpita Biswas is a Research Fellow at United Services Institute of India, Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS). She has completed her PhD from the Centre of Russian and Central Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi. Her research interest focuses on the current Indian defence ecosystem, indigenization efforts, military industrial complex and the intricate landscape of public-private-academia synergy in India as well as understanding the evolution and ramifications of these critical domains. Her Research further centres on the complexities of the growing drone ecosystem and India’s strategic efforts to achieve self- reliance and enhance defence capabilities. Earlier, she has also worked with the National Human Rights Commission for a brief stint of time. In addition to presenting research papers both in India and abroad, her works has also been published in various national and international peer-reviewed journals. Currently, she is working on the “Gallantry Award Portal Project” in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence.
N.S. Mani has got a proven expertise for over 45 years in the field of Microfilm and Digitization of documents/images with experience in the Government Sector and Private Sector, also instrumental in administration, planning, analysis and implementation of Government Projects in areas of document security and ensuring access of documents for Research and Administration. He has successfully completed the Indian Army Digital Archiving Project and now handling the Indian Air force Digital Archiving Project in USI. Has been trained in Digitization in UK and Germany and also got various training in Computer field from National Informatics Centre. Mr Mani has also published various articles in Digitization and Microfilming. Has worked in National Archives of India, Government of India, Shastri Indo Canadian Institute, CDAC Pune, and Sun TV Network in various capacities and successfully completed the pro ject undertaken.
Meghna is an accomplished professional with over 12 years of experience in managing large-scale conservation and digitisation projects for esteemed organisations. She is currently serving as an Archivist at the USI, where she oversees the Digitisation Project of Records for the Indian Army, contributing to the preservation and accessibility of historical documents. Previously, Meghna worked as an Assistant Archivist at the Delhi State Archives, where she honed her expertise in archival processes and conservation. Her core skills include project management and technical guidance, making her a key resource in executing complex initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University and a Master’s degree in Conservation from IP University, equipping her with a strong academic foundation to complement her professional competencies
Jharna Sonowal is an Archivist at the USI. She holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Delhi and a Diploma in Archives and Records Management from the School of Archival Studies at the National Archives of India (NAI), New Delhi. She has previously worked with the Assam State Archives and the NAI, where her responsibilities included records management and organising outreach programmes. Before joining USI, she served as an Archival Assistant at the Delhi Archives, focusing on archiving, microfilming, and digitisation of records. At USI, Jharna is actively engaged in the ‘Digital Archiving of Military History of the Indian Army’ project. Her work involves researching and archiving military records to develop a comprehensive online archival and dissemination platform for the Indian Army, contributing to the preservation of India’s military heritage.