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HPU introduces defence studies as a career and academic discipline

YS RANA | June 02, 2021 12:11 PM

CHANDIGARH: Keep in view the changing dynamics of world especially in defence and security in the 21st century has evolved various dimensions, the Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has introduced a new subject ‘Defence and Strategic Studies’ at PG level from this academic session.

Need to highlight and creat greater awareness about the opportunities that exist in the field of defence military studies, recetly, a communique to this effect by Prof Harish Thakur, Chairperson, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, HPU, Shimla, has been sent to all heads of educational institutions, college to arrange Webinar to spread awareness among the students community and encourage those who prefer it as career.

Some 40 years ago, the subject was seen as a discipline for study of security issues. But now global conflict and threat of war has been a concern for India. Defence and strategic studies as an academic discipline is assuming significance as nation needs trained planners, strategists and analysts. In present days, when history stirred into political science sprinkled with a liberal dose of strategy intrigued by this recipe then defence and strategic studies can be a field where one must explore, says Bimesh Kumar, graduated in defence and strategic studies.

He further said that youngsters are attracted to armed forces but few know that defence studies also offers career opportunities. In this scenerio, defence studies has established itself as a subject to be reckoned with as most universities have come forward to introduce it at graduate level. Degree in defence studies can open many doors for the youngsters as it covers all strategic and domestic issues of security and defence.

Panjab University has a PG department which was set up in 1969 under the stewardship of Dr Fauja Singh. Since then the subject is establishing its importance and number of universities has introduced it as subject at PG level across the country. The main subjects could include a comprehensive study on armed forces, military studies, the meaning, definition and scope of military strategy, wartime and peacetime studies, study of foreign policy and diplomacy.

There is a good chance for the youngsters of Himachal Pradesh to study the subject in their own state. The multi-disciplinary approach of the course will ensure its helpfulness not only in making a career but also in preparing for competitive examinations. It will offer a wide spectrum to students and goes a long way to the students community.

After the course graduates in the subject can join Indian think tank of international institutes, research organizations, defence and analysis wing, tactical services, advice in strategic planning and security planning so on.

There are multiple avenues. But question remains, are you willing to explore these.

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