CHANDIGARH:Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Hhimachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla in collaboration with NSS Open Unit, Chandigarh commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas in a virtual mode. The occasion was graced by Prof. Bikram Rana (Former OSD-Education), Prof. Harish K. Thakur (Chairman, Defence Studies, HPU, Shimla), Col. Ravi Raina (Serving Officer, Indian Army) and Dr. Chandan Awasthi (Deputy Director, IDC India).
In a keynote address, Prof. Rana highlighted the importance of 22-years of Vijay Diwas by enlightening the sacrifices of Indian armed forces during the whole operation.
Being from Himachal, he shared the inspiring story of 25year old Capt. Vikram Batra (Yeh Dil mange more) and Maj. Saurab Kalia with a reference how their invaluable sacrifices going to motivate the generations for decades and coming centuries. He further shared his personal
association and experience of Capt. Batra being Associated to NSS/NCC in early 1990's. Another panelist, Col. Ravi Raina being connected to on ground situation with Indian Army stressed to promote the strategic culture among common citizen for better understand
of ongoing proxy wars. Narrating the ongoing geopolitical turbulence in South Asia, Col.
Raina highlighted the growing demand and need of hour for Defence and Strategic Studies subject in India among all College and Universities as a compulsory subject. He further shared, how unknowingly the present generation is least aware about the on going drug trafficking and people are getting into trap of money laundering with shell companies.
Taking forward the session, Dr. Chandan Awasthi with research expertise highlighted the career prospects for students and growing demand of Defence analysts in think tanks and research institutions. He further added that IDC India from next year going to introduce PhD. Programme in Defence and Strategic Studies. Webinar was followed by Q&A session.
Prof. Harish Thakur congratulated the organisers and faculty members for this fruitful association in raising the awareness of national importance for community. In the end panelists thanked NSS Programme Officer, Er. Binesh Bhatia and NSS Open Unit for hosting this webinar of prime importance with a hope to continue the good work alive in National interest.