On Tuesday, Army Chief General Manoj Pande discussed the Army’s efforts to incorporate ancient Bharatiya wisdom into modern military strategy through Project Udbhav. Speaking at a conference titled “Historical Patterns in Indian Strategic Culture,” General Pande explained how the project has delved into ancient texts to enrich the defence domain.
Launched last year by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Project Udbhav aims to integrate Bharat’s rich historical and strategic heritage into contemporary military practices.
The initiative focuses on exploring ancient texts such as the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, and the Arthashastra, which emphasize interconnectedness, righteousness, and ethical values.
#WATCH | At Project Udbhav: symposium on historical patterns of Indian Strategic Culture, Indian Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande says, "The ancient Indian wisdom is rooted in a 5,000-year-old civilizational legacy, where immense value is attached to knowledge. This legacy is… https://t.co/2UBoz7BWrm pic.twitter.com/MXYj3MmCtn
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General Pande emphasized that the project explores the epic battles of the Mahabharata and the strategic brilliance of historical Bharatiya empires such as the Mauryas, Guptas, and Marathas. By studying these periods, the project seeks to uncover valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to modern military strategy.
Project Udbhav has revealed substantial intellectual convergences between Bharatiya and Western scholars, highlighting similarities in their strategic philosophies. This cross-cultural resonance shows that ancient Bharatiya wisdom is relevant and beneficial to modern military thinking.
The project is also exploring Bharat’s tribal traditions, the Maratha naval legacy, and the heroic exploits of individual military figures, including women. These areas provide a rich source of strategic thought and military heritage that can inspire and inform contemporary practices.
General Pande assured that projects like Udbhav will be ongoing efforts for the Army. By continually drawing from Bharat’s historical military wisdom, the armed forces aim to remain progressive and future-ready. The Udbhav compendium, a collection of these insights, is expected to benefit the armed forces significantly.
The conference underscored the importance of celebrating the history and heritage of the Indian armed forces as a vital part of national culture and identity.
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General Pande showed confidence that incorporating ancient wisdom into military strategy will strengthen the armed forces and enhance their effectiveness in future scenarios.
Project Udbhav was launched in collaboration with the United Service Institution, Bharat’s oldest think-tank founded in 1870. This collaboration underscores the project’s focus on promoting indigenous military customs and enhancing officers’ understanding of international relations through ancient wisdom.
Project Udbhav represents a significant effort to integrate Bharat’s vast historical and intellectual heritage into modern military strategy. By learning from the past, the Bharatiya Army aims to equip itself better for the future, maintaining a progressive and informed approach to defence.
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