The country’s CDS, General Anil Chauhan, has arrived in Srinagar, Garhwal on a visit. The CDS received a guard of honor from NCC cadets at the Chauras campus of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University. He arrived to attend the event with his wife, Anupama Chauhan.
Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, who was the chief guest at a special event organized at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, said that national security is not just the responsibility of uniformed officers, but is the shared responsibility of every section of society. He said that disseminating strategic thinking to the masses is the need of the hour, so that widespread public awareness about national security can be developed.
In his address, the CDS said that he always considers himself a student and strives to adopt simplicity in life. He said, “Simplicity is the greatest progress in life.” He praised the university’s achievements, stating that in its journey of over fifty years, the institution has achieved remarkable accomplishments through proper direction, speed, and hard work.
There should be a broad public discourse on defense and security issues.
Referring to the students’ achievements at the conference held in Mumbai, he attributed it to their continuous hard work. He congratulated the university administration, the Vice Chancellor, and the entire faculty, stating that the role of teachers is crucial in realizing students’ dreams. He wished the students a bright future.
Expressing his views on national security, he said that misconceptions about strategic culture in India need to be dispelled. There should be a broad public discourse on defense and security issues. Describing Uttarakhand as both Devbhoomi and Military Bhoomi, he said that the state can play a significant role in nation-building through these two identities.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Shriprakash Singh, while highlighting the university’s progress, stated that 74 faculty members have been promoted recently. Five projects worth approximately ₹450 crore have been proposed to the Government of India for infrastructure development. Free coaching for civil service examinations has been arranged for students from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories, with support from the state and central governments. Work is also underway to launch a distance education program.
The university also announced an agreement with the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre for a junior-level defense management diploma. Efforts are underway to expand academic collaboration with other military institutions. At the end of the program, students participated in a question-and-answer session, in which researchers from various departments posed questions on national security and strategic topics.
