Project 'Udbhav' represents a significant initiative by the Army to delve into India's rich cultural and philosophical heritage to enrich its outlook in the defense domain. Army Chief General Manoj Pande highlighted the project's focus on ancient texts such as Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, and Arthashastra, which provide insights into interconnectedness, righteousness, and ethical values.
By exploring epic battles like those of the Mahabharata and studying the strategic brilliance of historical Indian empires such as the Mauryas, Guptas, and Marathas, Project 'Udbhav' aims to uncover India's deep military heritage. The project also aims to promote indigenous discourse within the Army and make it "future-ready" by integrating ancient strategic wisdom into contemporary military practices.
General Pande emphasized that Project 'Udbhav' has revealed significant intellectual convergences between Indian and Western scholars, underscoring the resonance between their thoughts, philosophies, and perspectives. The project has also facilitated exploration into lesser-known areas such as India's tribal traditions, the Maratha naval legacy, and the heroic exploits of military figures, including women.
Furthermore, General Pande highlighted the importance of civil-military collaboration among academia, scholars, practitioners, and military experts, which broadens the scope of studying India's defense and governance history. He expressed confidence that the project's findings, presented in the 'Udbhav Compendium', would aid the Indian Armed Forces in remaining progressive and future-ready.
The celebration of the history and heritage of the Indian armed forces, including through exhibitions like 'Evolution of Indian Military Systems, Warfighting, and Strategic Thought - from Antiquity to Independence', was also emphasized by General Pande. Such initiatives contribute to a deeper understanding of India's military past and its position in the global arena.
