New Delhi: In a poignant blend of military tradition and cultural immersion, participants of the 20th Higher Defence Orientation Course (HDOC-20) from the prestigious Army War College (AWC), Mhow, conducted a high-profile visit to the National Capital’s most iconic landmarks this week. The delegation’s itinerary, centred on the National War Memorial and the National Museum, underscored the dual pillars of modern military leadership: a deep-seated reverence for sacrifice and a comprehensive understanding of the civilizational heritage they are sworn to protect.
The visit commenced at the National War Memorial (NWM), located in the heart of the C-Hexagon near India Gate. The HDOC-20 participants, comprising mid-to-senior level officers destined for pivotal command roles, engaged in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to honour the fallen heroes of independent India.
The officers were briefed on the memorial’s evocative architectural design, which is structured as a Chakravyuh, an ancient Indian defensive formation. The four concentric circles, Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality), Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery), Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice), and Rakshak Chakra (Circle of Protection), served as a powerful backdrop for the officers as they witnessed the Eternal Flame.
“Standing amidst the names of over 26,000 martyrs inscribed in golden letters is a humbling experience for any soldier,” noted one participant. The visit to the NWM is a critical component of the HDOC curriculum, aimed at reinforcing the ‘Chetwode Code’ and the ethos of selfless service before self.
Transitioning from the site of military sacrifice to the repository of national history, the delegation visited the National Museum. As India continues to assert its strategic autonomy on the global stage, the AWC emphasizes that military leaders must be well-versed in the nation’s rich and diverse cultural identity.
The officers explored various galleries, including the Harappan Civilization wing and the Arms and Armour collection, which offer a historical perspective on the evolution of warfare in the Indian subcontinent. The visit allowed participants to reflect on the continuity of India’s strategic culture, from the Mauryan era to the present day.
The Army War College, Mhow, remains the bedrock of tactical and operational research for the Indian Army. The Higher Defence Orientation Course is specifically designed to broaden the horizons of officers, preparing them for the complexities of multi-domain warfare and jointmanship.
By integrating such visits into the training schedule, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) ensure that future commanders are not only masters of the “art of war” but also custodians of the national spirit. This synthesis of pride in the past and preparedness for the future remains the hallmark of the Indian Armed Forces’ professional military education.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.