The Indian Army, in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), recently culminated a hybrid-panel discussion as part of Project Udbhav. The event focused on “The Evolution of Indian Military Systems, Warfare, and Strategic Thinking: Current Research and Future Directions”. This article provides a comprehensive examination of Project Udbhav, its goals, the roles of the Indian Army and the USI, and their joint efforts to bring ancient wisdom to modern military training.
Understanding Project Udbhav
Project Udbhav is a novel initiative introduced by the Indian Army dedicated to unearthing the rich Indic heritage linked to statecraft, strategic thinking, warcraft, and diplomacy, sourcing from ancient Indian texts. The project touches a broad range that includes Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Thematic Studies, Regional Texts and Kingdoms, along with detailed Kautilya Studies.
Underpinning the initiative is the desire to draw connections between historical aspects and contemporary scenarios. However, Project Udbhav aims beyond mere rediscovery of historical narratives. Its more profound goal includes the development of a strategic vocabulary rooted deeply in the plethora of philosophies and cultural heritage indigenous to India.
Aim of Project Udbhav
The ultimate objective of this initiative is to incorporate the age-old wisdom within modern military pedagogy. It wants to equip the Indian Army with the capacity to extract principles from centuries past and apply them to the intricate strategic environment existing today.
The Role of United Service Institution of India (USI)
As an essential collaborator of Project Udbhav, the USI plays a vital role in executing the project’s goals. In line with the mission of the project, USI plans to hold a Military Heritage Festival on the 21st and 22nd October, 2023.
The USI is a think tank for national security and defense services based in India’s capital, New Delhi. Its purpose encapsulates the advancement of interests and knowledge in the domains of art, science, and literature pertaining to defense services. This institution was brought to life in the year 1870 by Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor, a well-known soldier scholar.
Benefits of Project Udbhav
Project Udbhav serves as a bridge connecting the past to the present and facilitating the infusion of India’s profound ancient wisdom into today’s strategic military practices. By embracing a vast spectrum of studies, the project supports the enrichment of the Indian Army’s strategic vocabulary and its broader understanding of warfare and statecraft.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Project Udbhav, with the joint efforts of the Indian Army and USI, offers a unique approach to understanding and integrating the past’s rich strategic wisdom into present military practices. Through hybrid-panel discussions and planned festivals, the project ensures that the profound Indic heritage continues to influence and shape the Indian military systems’ evolution and strategic thinking, making them robust and versatile in the current complex landscape.