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Project Udbhav
Project Udbhav is a collaborative initiative between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India (USI), a defence services think tank. The project UDBHAV was launched on October 21, 2023, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the inauguration of the Indian Military Heritage Festival, in the presence of the Chief of the Army Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, and other dignitaries.
Project Udbhav is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to be a major turning point in India’s military history. It is a way for India to connect its past with its present and future, and to build a more secure and prosperous future for the country.
United Service Institution of India
The United Service Institution of India (USI) is a national security and defence services think tank based in New Delhi, India. It describes its aim as the “furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services”. USI operates centres for research in various areas of national security. The USI Journal, published quarterly since 1872, is the oldest defence journal in Asia. It also publishes a number of monographs based on research and study by its members.
The USI was founded in 1870 by Major General Sir Charles MacGregor, a British officer who served in India. The institution was initially established as a society for the promotion of interest and knowledge in military matters. It was later opened to civilians as well, and it now has a wide range of members, including military personnel, academics, policymakers, and journalists. The USI plays an important role in India’s national security community. Here are some of the key activities of the USI:
- Conducts research on a wide range of national security issues, including:
- Defence policy and strategy
- Military technology
- Regional security dynamics
- International security issues
- Publishes the USI Journal, the oldest defence journal in Asia
- Holds conferences and seminars on national security issues
- Provides training and education to military personnel and other stakeholders
- Maintains a library and archive of military and security-related literature
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Meaning of Udbhav
The name of the project, Udbhav, which means “origin” or “genesis,” is a nod to India’s ancient scriptures and writings, which contain profound knowledge that can benefit modern military strategies.
Aim of Project Udbhav
The project Udbhav aims to integrate India’s ancient wisdom of statecraft and strategic thinking into the contemporary military domain. It seeks to develop an “indigenous strategic vocabulary” that is rooted in India’s philosophical and cultural heritage. Here are some of the specific objectives of Project Udbhav:
- To identify and analyze the ancient Indian texts and concepts that are relevant to statecraft and strategic thinking.
- To develop an “indigenous strategic vocabulary” that is rooted in India’s philosophical and cultural heritage.
- To integrate this ancient wisdom with modern military pedagogy.
- To facilitate the emergence of new insights and theories that can be applied to contemporary security challenges.
Focus of Project Udbhav
Project Udbhav seeks to blend ancient wisdom with modern military practices, creating a unique and comprehensive approach to modern security challenges. This visionary initiative by the Indian Army aims to integrate age-old wisdom with contemporary military education. Project Udbhav will focus on a broad spectrum of topics, including:
- Indigenous military systems
- Historical texts
- Regional texts and kingdoms
- Thematic studies
- Kautilya studies
Methods Used Under Project Udbhav
India’s 5,000-year-old civilization has placed a high value on knowledge, as evidenced by its vast collection of intellectual texts, manuscripts, thinkers, and schools of thought in many different fields. Project UDBHAV will help us to better understand our knowledge systems and philosophies, and to appreciate their enduring relevance and applicability in the modern world.
Project Udbhav is a significant initiative that has the potential to make a major contribution to India’s military capabilities. It is a way for India to draw on its rich history and culture to develop a more effective and holistic approach to security. The project will use a variety of methods to achieve its goals, including:
- In-depth research
- Workshops and seminars
- Leadership development programs
Benefits of Project Udbhav
A deeper understanding of India’s strategic heritage and its relevance to modern security challenges.
India has a rich and complex strategic heritage, dating back to the ancient period. Project Udbhav will help the Indian Army to better understand this heritage and to identify the insights and lessons that can be applied to contemporary security challenges.
An ability to develop more effective and holistic military strategies.
By integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern military pedagogy, Project Udbhav will help the Indian Army to develop more effective and holistic military strategies. These strategies will be better adapted to India’s unique security challenges and will be more likely to resonate with the Indian people.
A stronger sense of identity and purpose for the Indian military
Project Udbhav can help strengthen the Indian military’s sense of identity and purpose by connecting it to India’s rich and ancient strategic heritage. This can lead to a more motivated and effective military force.
In addition to these benefits, Project Udbhav can also help to promote the study of Indian strategic thought on a global scale. This can help to raise India’s profile as a strategic power and can lead to greater cooperation with other countries on security issues. Overall, Project Udbhav has the potential to make a significant contribution to India’s national security. It is a visionary initiative that is worthy of support from all stakeholders.