Aanchal Malhotra
Aanchal Malhotra is an oral historian and writer based in New Delhi. She has written extensively on the 1947 Partition and its related topics. Her first book, Remnants...
Aanchal Malhotra is an oral historian and writer based in New Delhi. She has written extensively on the 1947 Partition and its related topics. Her first book, Remnants of a Separation, published internationally under the title, Remnants of Partition, won the Council for Museum Anthropology Book Award. Her second book, In the Language of Remembering, was published to critical acclaim and named one of History Today’s Best Books of 2022. Malhotra's latest work is a debut novel titled The Book of Everlasting Things, which focuses, in part, on the sensorial landscape of the Indian soldiers on the Western Front during WW1.
Col Ajay Singh
Col Ajay Singh is an alumnus of St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. He joined the Army in 1981 and during his career he had commanded an Armoured
Col Ajay Singh is an alumnus of St Xavier’s College, Mumbai. He joined the Army in 1981 and during his career he had commanded an Armoured Regiment, held major staff and instructional appointments and served in every part of the country and overseas. After release from the Army, he served as CEO with two different organizations. He has authored six books His collection of short stories “The Final Draft” has received the Rabindranath Tagore International Award for Art & Literature 2021. His latest book “Russia-Ukraine War – The Conflict and its Global Impact” has been called “the most comprehensive coverage of the Ukraine War”. A known public speaker who appears frequently on television, he has written and co-hosted the television series ‘Rakt Ranjit’ – a six-episode series - for ABP News Channel. He writes screenplay for film and television and his novels and short stories are being adapted for film, television and OTT platforms.
Maj Gen AJS Sandhu VSM (Retd)
Major General AJS Sandhu, VSM (Retd), did his schooling from The Lawrence School, Sanawar. He was commissioned into the Army in June 1967,
Major General AJS Sandhu, VSM (Retd), did his schooling from The Lawrence School, Sanawar. He was commissioned into the Army in June 1967, becoming the third generation of a martial family. In an illustrious career spanning over 37 years he has held varied assignments including overseas service. He served in the Punjab sector in the 1971 Inda-Pakistan War, and in the operationally vital regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, during the critical periods of the Siachen Conflict and Operation Vijay (Kargil conflict). Major General Sandhu is a Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras, and has done the Post Graduate Diploma Course in International Human Rights Law from the Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi. His book titled 'BATTLEGROUND CHHAMB: The Indo- Pakistan War of 1971' was published in January 2017 and re-printed the same year. It vividly recounts what was perhaps the toughest and most intensely fought battle of the 1971 War. The General is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal as well as the Chief of Army Staff and Northern Army Commander's Commendations. Prior to his retirement on 31 August 2004, he was Additional Director General Artillery at the Army HQ, New Delhi.
Lt Gen AK Bhatt, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd)
Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd) is currently the Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA). General Bhatt has a Masters in Management Studies from
Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd) is currently the Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA). General Bhatt has a Masters in Management Studies from Osmania University and an M. Phil in Defence & Strategic Studies from the prestigious Madras University in Chennai. General Bhatt has spearheaded several projects and has demonstrated great ability in building collaborative consensus while providing mentorship. General Bhatt has held critical operational appointments of the General Office Commanding Division in Assam and Corps Commander in Srinagar. Amongst his many military assignments is his command of a multinational unit in a UN mission in the Lebanon – Israel border and tenure as instructor in Commando Wing.
Lt Gen AK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd)
Lt Gen A K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), the erstwhile Lt Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry, Ex GOC in C Southern
Lt Gen A K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), the erstwhile Lt Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry, Ex GOC in C Southern Command has been an alumni of NDA, Staff College Camberley, UK, Malinovsky Tank Academy, Moscow & the Higher Command & National Defence College courses. He is one of the few officers to have trained with both the NATO & Warsaw Pact at the height of cold war.
The General has commanded the 7th Cavalry, a T-90 Tank Brigade, an Armoured Division and the most powerful Strike 1 (Corps). He has teneted key Operational appointments including Brigade Major of the Kargil Brigade, three appointments in Military operations Directorate, headed the foreign division of the army & was also the Director General Perspective Planning.
After a distinguished service in the Armed Forces, Lt Gen A K Singh was entrusted with the responsibility of Administrator/Lt Governor of A&N Islands in July 13 and later concurrently assumed the charge of Lt Governor of Puducherry in Jul 14.
He has been a member of Prime Minister's Team India, as also a member of the National Development Council and Inter State Council. Presently he is an Independent Director and Advisor with various firms/educational institutions including O P Jindal Global University, where he also teaches an ‘Elective’ on “National Security, Military Strategy and Governance.” The General is a distinguished fellow with Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)and USI . He is also an independent director with “Morarjee Textiles Limited, Air Works India Private Limited, and an advisor to DSpin and Greenative Group”. The General has co-edited three books on defence :
1.Military Strategy for India in the 21st Century.
2.Battle Ready for the 21st Century.
3. Men of Steel Military Leadership for India
Dr Alan Jeffreys
Dr Alan Jeffreys is the Head of Equipment and Uniform at the National Army Museum. His edited volume ‘The Indian Army in the First World War’ was
Dr Alan Jeffreys is the Head of Equipment and Uniform at the National Army Museum. His edited volume ‘The Indian Army in the First World War’ was published in paperback in October 2022. He is also a visiting research fellow at the University of Greenwich and has written and edited seven books and over 20 articles and book chapters, nearly all of which have been about the Indian Army.
Prof Amar Farooqui
Amar Farooqui was formerly Professor in the Department of History, University of Delhi. He taught history for many years at Hans Raj College, Delhi;
Amar Farooqui was formerly Professor in the Department of History, University of Delhi. He taught history for many years at Hans Raj College, Delhi; and has been Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi. His publications include Zafar and the Raj: Anglo-Mughal Delhi, c.1800-1850 (2013), and The Colonial Subjugation of India (2022)
Dr Amit Pathak
He is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (Formerly Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research), United Service
He is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (Formerly Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research), United Service Institution of India, New Delhi. He is fluent in Hindi, English, Assamese and is an avid student of History, Culture, Radiology, Linguistics, Archaeology, Sociology, Anthropology etc. He has been continuously working since 2001 on various aspects of the Great Uprising of 1857 and studying the history & culture of Western Uttar Pradesh. He has also been recording and preserving the oral as well as documented folk renditions of this rapidly urbanizing region. He has many publications to his credit in the above fields of study including three books on history and culture. At present he is working on books linked to the Military History of India (1000AD to 1800AD), 1857 Uprising in Western Uttar Pradesh and the anti-colonial Uprisings of North-East India. He is a practicing Radiologist focusing on Gastrointestinal Ultrasonography and Nephrology / Urology as well as interventional ultrasonography. He has many publications to his credit in this field and is at present working on a book on Hepato-Biliary Ultrasonography. .
Author of the following books: `Revolution of 1857 and Meerut’ (First published account of Uprising in Meerut)
`1857! Living History’ (Published by Govt. Museum, Jhansi), `History and Culture of Western Uttar Pradesh’.
Dr Amit Pathak is also the Director and script writer of the documentary `A Soldier Never Dies’.
Amitabh Kant
Amitabh Kant is India’s G20 Sherpa, and the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) (2016-2022), as well as the former Secretary
Amitabh Kant is India’s G20 Sherpa, and the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) (2016-2022), as well as the former Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) (2014-2016), Government of India (GoI). He is a member of the Indian Administrative Service, IAS (Kerala Cadre: 1980 Batch). He was also the Chairman and CEO of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) and Chairman of the National Productivity Council.
Mr Kant is the author of “Branding India – An Incredible Story,” and has been a key driver of the “Make in India,” Startup India, “Incredible India,” and “God’s Own Country” initiatives which positioned and branded India and Kerala State as leading manufacturing and tourism destinations.
Mr Anchit Gupta
Anchit's life story is a thrilling journey from the echoes of fighter jets to the corridors of high finance, with a heart firmly tethered to
Anchit's life story is a thrilling journey from the echoes of fighter jets to the corridors of high finance, with a heart firmly tethered to the Indian Air Force. Raised in the exhilarating embrace of jet exhaust fumes, he dreamt of soaring through the skies as an IAF pilot like his father. However, destiny charted a different flight path, leading Anchit into the world of finance, where he pursued three master's degrees, including one at the Kellogg School of Management in Chicago, and currently holds the position of Investing Partner at a Private Equity firm focused on India.
However, a serendipitous moment in 2012 rekindled his passion for the IAF. Anchit's quest for IAF history led him to collaborate with renowned IAF historian Jagan Pillarisetti, and soon, he earned the moniker "Data Shikari" – an aviation enthusiast on a mission. From manual data collection to crafting captivating Twitter threads, contributing to editorials in national publications, and delivering Guest Lectures on Indian Air Force History, Anchit continues to be a dedicated student of history.
Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (Retd)
A Qualified Flying Instructor and an Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, commissioned into the Fighter stream of the IAF in Dec 1982. Fully Ops on
A Qualified Flying Instructor and an Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, commissioned into the Fighter stream of the IAF in Dec 1982. Fully Ops on the erstwhile Ajeet and Jaguar aircraft. Raised and commanded the first Harpy squadron of the Indian Air Force. He commanded an Air Defence Direction Centre and an operational base. One of the few to have served in senior ranks in both the Joint Services Commands of the country, Andaman & Nicobar Command as the Air Force Component Commander and Strategic Forces Command as the Chief Staff Officer (Air Vector).
The other joint services appointments include Air Officer Commanding Maritime Air Operations in Mumbai and Chief Instructor, Air Force, at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Superannuated from service in Nov 2019.
An avid writer and author, he has written a number of articles on air power, national security, strategy and integration of the Armed Forces. He has Co-edited two books ‘Air Power and Emerging Technologies’; 2022 and ‘Indian Air Force in its Centennial Decade’; 2023. He took over as Additional Director General CAPS on 07 May 2021.
Lt Gen Anil Kapoor AVSM, VSM (Retd)
Lt Gen Dr Anil Kapoor AVSM, VSM superannuated as Director General Electronics and Mechanical Engineers strategically leading the landscape of ...
Lt Gen Dr Anil Kapoor AVSM, VSM superannuated as Director General Electronics and Mechanical Engineers strategically leading the landscape of maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) and technology and innovation management of the complete plethora of equipment of the Indian Army. Prior to this appointment he was the Director General Information Systems, where he steered the information systems management, digital technology transformation and net centricity of the million strong Indian Army as a Tri Service Program. He has also been on two UN peacekeeping assignments. He was Senior Logistics Officer in UN Mission in Angola and Deputy Chief Integrated Support Services in UN Mission in Sudan and actively participated in the war zone in Op Vijay (Kargil -1999), Op Parakram (2001-02) and Op Snow Leopard (Eastern Ladakh 2020) during his military career. Post retirement, he served as Director General Amity University where he established Amity Institute of Defence Technology and formulated Ph D and M Tech Programs in Defence Technology. Presently, he is a Board Member of the Technology Innovation Hub Governing Body IIT Tirupati. He is also a Professor of Practice at IIT Tirupati and Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal. He has been nominated as the Vice President and Chairman National Advisory Committee Asset Management Society India. The General is a qualified Master Class Independent Director and member of Institute of Directors and Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. Has been guiding StartUps and entrepreneurs in building a robust culture of innovation, technology and business development.
Prof Anirudh Deshpande
Anirudh Deshpande is Professor of Modern History, Department of History, Delhi University. He has been a Teen Murti Fellow (2001-2005), ICCR Guest
Anirudh Deshpande is Professor of Modern History, Department of History, Delhi University. He has been a Teen Murti Fellow (2001-2005), ICCR Guest Professor at the Vienna University, Austria (2014-15), Visiting Professor at the NBU Siliguri (November, 2015) and History Department AMU (2017). Since 1992 he has published regularly in the EPW, IESHR, Studies in History, Social Scientist and The-Inclusive-Online and the Gordon Martel (ed.) Encyclopaedia of War (2011) and David Ludden (ed.) Oxford Online Research Encyclopaedia (2019). In 2015 he wrote the introduction to Govind Pansare’s Who Was Shivaji (Left-Word Books). He is an Associate Editor of the online social science journal Inclusive published from Kolkata and the Helion Books, London.
Ambassador Asoke Mukerji (Retd)
Ambassador Asoke Mukerji’s diplomatic career spans 37 years, from 1978-2015. As India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United
Ambassador Asoke Mukerji’s diplomatic career spans 37 years, from 1978-2015. As India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York (2013-2015) he oversaw India’s negotiations on Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development, focusing on prioritising the use of technology for achieving the SDGs. He represented India in the intergovernmental negotiations that recommended a text-based outcome for UN Security Council Reforms in September 2015.
Ambassador Mukerji chaired a multi-stakeholder working group under India’s National Security Council Secretariat to recommend cyber norms for India (2017-2018). He has addressed audiences at seminars and conferences in India and abroad, including the Global Conferences on Cyber Space at London (2011) and New Delhi (2017). He lectures regularly on multilateral issues to Indian and foreign diplomats at India’s Foreign Service Institute.
Ambassador Mukerji has published articles and book chapters in Indian and foreign publications on India’s foreign policy, as well as several books. He obtained a BA (Honours) and MA degree from St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. In July 2018, he was awarded a Doctor of Civil Law (honoris causa) degree by the University of East Anglia (UK) for his contributions to diplomacy.
Lt Col Atul Kochhar
Lieutenant Colonel Atul Kochhar was commissioned in June 1986 into 1 J&K Light Infantry. He has served in most major operations, including Op Pawan,
Lieutenant Colonel Atul Kochhar was commissioned in June 1986 into 1 J&K Light Infantry. He has served in most major operations, including Op Pawan, as part of the IPKF from 1988 to 1989. He has an MSc in Defence Studies from Madras University and earned his PGDM from IIM Indore in 2007. He is actively involved in resurrecting the forgotten legacy of the IPKF in Op Pawan. His first book, co-authored with Lieutenant Colonel BR Nair, on the same operation, was ‘Valiant Deeds, Undying Memories,’ released in December 2022. His latest book released this year in April 2023 co-authored by Lt Col BR Nair is “Resurrecting the IPKF Legacy.’
Maj Gen B K Sharma, AVSM,SM & Bar (Retd)
Maj Gen BK Sharma was commissioned in the SIKHLIGHT Infantry Regiment in 1976 and superannuated in 2012. He is the Director General of USI.
Maj Gen BK Sharma was commissioned in the SIKHLIGHT Infantry Regiment in 1976 and superannuated in 2012. He is the Director General of USI. He has represented his country at the UN as Military Observer in Central America and has been India’s Defence Attaché in Central Asia. He specializes in Strategic Net Assessment methodology, Scenario Building and Strategic Gaming.
Lt Col BR Nair
Lieutenant Colonel B R Nair was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery (Field Wing) after graduating from the Centre for Russian Studies, Jawaharlal
Lieutenant Colonel B R Nair was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery (Field Wing) after graduating from the Centre for Russian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, in September 1974. One of the last artillery officers to be commissioned into a Mountain Pack Regiment being reorganized into what later came to be known as the ‘Light Regiment’; he was transferred to the Intelligence Corps after a stint as a General Staff Officer Grade 3 in the Military Intelligence Directorate of Army Headquarters. He was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card in 1990 for exceptional services rendered during Op Pawan. He retired from the army in July 2004, after a stint with the NCC, both at its directorate in New Delhi, as well as commanding a unit and a Group Headquarters in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. His first book co-authored with Lieutenant Colonel Atul Kochhar on Op Pawan was “Valiant Deeds, Undying Memories” released in December 2021, followed by “Resurrecting the IPKF Legacy “released this year
in April 2023.
Col Danvir Singh (Retd)
At present he is a consultant with the ABP News on defence and strategic affairs. He carries out analysis on matters Defence, Strategy & Foreign Affairs with
A military veteran who is presently an associated editor with Asia’s largest defence magazine, The Indian Defence Review. He has also been with various television news channels over the past 10 years.
At present he is a consultant with the ABP News on defence and strategic affairs.
He carries out analysis on matters Defence, Strategy & Foreign Affairs with special focus on India’s neighbourhood.
A prolific writer, he has contributed various articles and op-eds in various leading newspapers and magazines.
Col Danvir is also an author of the book Kashmir’s Death Trap: Tales of Perfidy and Valour.
Commodore Debesh Lahiri
An alumnus of the Naval Engineering Course (NEC), Naval Engineering College, INS Shivaji, Lonavala and College of Defence Management (CDM),
An alumnus of the Naval Engineering Course (NEC), Naval Engineering College, INS Shivaji, Lonavala and College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, Commodore Debesh Lahiri was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 25 Nov 1988. He is a Marine Engineer by profession and has completed his Master’s (MTech) from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai. He has completed a World Bank programme on Alternate Dispute Resolution-Arbitration, Conciliation and Mediation. He was the Deputy Naval Attaché at the Embassy of India, Moscow, and has been at the helm of two Naval ship Repair Yards, at Port Blair and Karwar respectively.
He has a wide experience at sea, having been Engineer Officer on three different types of propulsion, viz. Internal Combustion Engines (Ghorpad), Gas Turbines (Veer) and Steam (Udaygiri, Ganga, Gomati and Beas) and has also been the Fleet Engineer Officer, Western Fleet. He has been Additional General Manager (Quality Assurance and Production) at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, and is well-versed in Human Resource Management, having been Director of Personnel at Naval Headquarters. As Commodore Dockyards, he was responsible for the creation of marine infrastructure in the Navy. He is a fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers (FIMarE) and his papers have been published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), International Naval Engineers Conference (INEC), Indian National IC Engines Conference and the Journal of Marine Engineering. He has also authored service papers on matters of importance to the Indian Navy and has written a dissertation on Comprehensive National Power. His articles and poems on Shipbuilding in Ancient India, Energy, Emissions, Environment, Quality Techniques, Leadership and Personnel Management have been published in Naval Despatch, Personnel Update, among several other magazines and periodicals. He is a keen sportsman, weekend- golfer, avid reader and sometimes poet.
Col Deepak Kumar
Col Deepak Kumar was commissioned in Infantry (TA) in 2001. He has served in OP RHINO, OP PARAKRAM and OP RAKSHAK during his 23 yrs of illustrious
Col Deepak Kumar was commissioned in Infantry (TA) in 2001. He has served in OP RHINO, OP PARAKRAM and OP RAKSHAK during his 23 yrs of illustrious service. The officer has vast experience of serving in Departmental & Non Departmental TA units, CI/CT ops in J&K and North East. The officer has been instrumental in the raising of an Eco Task Force in Himachal Pradesh and Ganga Task Force in Uttar Pradesh. The officer also played a pivotal role in raising of an Home & Hearth Bns in J&K and had the opportunity to serve in two Home & Hearth Bns. For his outstanding performance and phenomenal contribution to the org, the officer was awarded Vice Chief of Army Staff & GOC-in-C commendation cards. Col Deepak has served as Staff officer in TA Dte (Army HQ) and presently tenating the appt of Dy Cdr, TA Gp HQ, Western Command.
Maj (Hony) Deepak Rao
Maj (Hony) Deepak Rao was granted Hony rank of Maj in TA on 31 oct 2011 in 116 Inf Bn (TA) PARA. He is a sports medicine doctor with certifications from
Maj (Hony) Deepak Rao was granted Hony rank of Maj in TA on 31 oct 2011 in 116 Inf Bn (TA) PARA. He is a sports medicine doctor with certifications from Harvard, Stanford & Wharton, a certified law enforcement trainer and a close quarter battle Instructor. He has trained 20,000 troops for over 25 years since 1997 in modern aspects of close quarter battle from elite forces like NSG, MARCOS, GARUD, SFF, Para SF etc.
He was invited by Army Cdrs to impart trg in reflex shooting for CBS Bhalra CBS Sarol CBS Khreuh and CITS Tejpur in 2006-2008 and he is also an approved training resource of Ministry Home Affairs and has trained 12 State Police ATS units. He has authored 6 books on close combat which have been accepted by MHA, COAS, FBI & INTERPOL. The Officer has received COAS appreciation in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2010.
Dr Deepshikha Shahi
Deepshikha Shahi is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at the O. P. Jindal Global University, India. Her research interests revolve...
Deepshikha Shahi is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at the O. P. Jindal Global University, India. Her research interests revolve around the theoretical frames of Global International Relations, non-Western intellectual resources, pedagogical practices, politics of knowledge-production, philosophy of science, and Indian politics. She performs symptomatological readings of the classical texts to theorise International Relations (IR) and to enhance transdisciplinary synergies between humanities and social sciences.
Lt Col Dilbag Singh Dabas (Retd)
Lt Col Dilbag Singh Dabas, an alumni of Sainik School, Chittorgarh, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pachmarhi and Hans Raj College, Delhi, was commissioned
Lt Col Dilbag Singh Dabas, an alumni of Sainik School, Chittorgarh, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pachmarhi and Hans Raj College, Delhi, was commissioned in to The Regiment of Artillery (6 Field Regiment) in March 1971. He is a third generation soldier who has been part of live action very early in service. A veteran of 1971 India-Pakistan war in Eastern Theatre, he has also served as the ADC to the Governor of Andhra Pradesh for three years. Lt Col Dabas is a columnist with national daily, The Tribune, writing on the Gallantry Awards Winners of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. This is the first volume on Gallantry Awards Winners of Haryana authored by Lt Col Dilbag Singh Dabas.
Dinakar Peri
Dinakar Peri is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Hindu newspaper for nine years covering defence and strategic affairs. He is also a Chevening Journalism
Dinakar Peri is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Hindu newspaper for nine years covering defence and strategic affairs. He is also a Chevening Journalism Fellow and was recently a Visiting Fellow at Rajaraman School of International Studies, NTU, Singapore. Prior to journalism, he was an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), an autonomous think tank of the Indian Army and worked on special projects with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), a tri-service think tank. He holds two degrees, MBA in Business Sustainability and MSc in Biotechnology, and has been a biology researcher at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai. He regularly writes opinion pieces and appears on television as an expert on defence issues.
Dr Dominiek Dendooven
Dr Dominiek Dendooven is a researcher and curator at In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres, Belgium. An expert on the presence of non-European troops on
Dr Dominiek Dendooven is a researcher and curator at In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres, Belgium. An expert on the presence of non-European troops on the western front during the First World War, he is a research fellow of the Centre for Political History of the University of Antwerp, an honorary research fellow of the Centre for Military History & Conflict Studies in Delhi, and the Centre for the History of War, Media and Society of the University of Kent. His publications include Asia in Flanders Fields, Indians and Chinese on the Western Front, 1914-1920 (Pen & Sword, 2021).
Col Harisimran Singh
Harisimran Singh retired in the rank of Colonel after a full career of thirty-one years in the Indian Army. An alumnus of The Lawrence School Sanawar....
Harisimran Singh retired in the rank of Colonel after a full career of thirty-one years in the Indian Army. An alumnus of The Lawrence School Sanawar, he read War Studies for an MA at King’s College, London, while on sabbatical from the Army. In partial fulfilment of the Master’s program, his dissertation focused on Frederic Manning and Henri Barbusse, two soldier-writers of the Great War.
On retirement in 2011, he divides his time between Chandigarh, where he is settled, and Pahuwind, his native village that he shares with Baba Deep Singh—the primary inspiration for him to research and pen the latter’s biography. Published in 2022 by Speaking Tiger, the book ‘Deep Singh Shaheed – the Man in the Legend’ has since been translated into Punjabi. Besides military history, he enjoys music and poetry as well as trekking in the mountains.
Lt Gen Harsha Gupta PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM (Retd)
Lieutenant General Harsha Gupta, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM (Retd), was commissioned in Dec 1983 into the SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY. He has vast
Lieutenant General Harsha Gupta, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM (Retd), was commissioned in Dec 1983 into the SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY. He has vast experience in line of control and counter terrorist operations having extensively served in J&K. He has represented the Nation in UN Peacekeeping operations at Cambodia and has been the Deputy Military Attache at Indian Embassy in Moscow. Having earlier served as DG (MP & PS) in AG’s branch and as the Adjutant General later, he has widely dealt with various welfare related aspects of the Army.
Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM (Retd)
Major General Ian Cardozo was born in Mumbai and studied at St. Xavier’s School and College. He joined the Joint Services Wing at Clement Town, Dehradun in July 1954, which
Major General Ian Cardozo was born in Mumbai and studied at St. Xavier’s School and College. He joined the Joint Services Wing at Clement Town, Dehradun in July 1954, which transferred to Khadakvasla, Pune in January 1955 and became the National Defence Academy. Here he was the first cadet to win both the gold medal for being the best all round cadet and the silver medal for being first in order of merit.
He was commissioned at the Indian Military Academy into the 1st Battalion the 5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) where he received his basic grounding as a young officer. He thereafter took part in the Sino-Indian war of 1962, the Indo-Pak war of 1965 and the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Wounded in the battle of Sylhet in Bangladesh, he overcame the disability of losing a leg and became the first disabled officer of the Indian Army to be approved for command of an infantry battalion and brigade. Thereafter, he commanded an Infantry Division and retired from this appointment as Chief of Staff of a Corps in the North East.
On retirement he worked in the area of Disability with an NGO and as Vice President of the War Wounded Foundation before being picked up by the Government of India and appointed as the Chairman of the Rehabilitation Council of India where he worked for nine years.
He has taken up writing as a hobby and his books ‘Param Vir’, ‘The Sinking of INS Khukri’, ‘The Bravest of the Brave – the Indian VCs of World War I’, ‘The Indian Army in World War I 1914-18’ and ‘Lieutenant General Bilimoria – His Life and Times’ have been widely acclaimed.
Prof Indivar Kamtekar
Prof Indivar Kamtekar is a Senior Fellow at the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (formerly Nehru Memorial Museum and Library). His current research
Prof Indivar Kamtekar is a Senior Fellow at the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (formerly Nehru Memorial Museum and Library). His current research project explores the multifaceted, long-term transformations in state power initiated by the events of the 1940s in India. His educational background consists of a B.Sc. in physics from Delhi University, an M.A. from JNU, and a Ph.D. from Cambridge. He has also been a member of the editorial board of the journal Modern Asian Studies, and is an editor of the journal Studies in History. With Aditya Arya, he co-authored a book titled History in the Making: The Visual Archives of Kulwant Roy (HarperCollins, Delhi, 2010). His previous research on the deep impact of the Second World War, introduced a comparative international dimension in the study of the Indian political, social and economic history of that period.
Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd)
Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd) was commissioned into 18 Cavalry in December 1981 a Regiment which he subsequently commanded. He is a second generation officer...
Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd) was commissioned into 18 Cavalry in December 1981 a Regiment which he subsequently commanded. He is a second generation officer and is an alumnus of Doon School, Dehra Dun and St Stephens College, Delhi. He retired in February 2018 as the Director General Resettlement under the Ministry of Defence. He is a prolific writer in defence & national security and adept at public speaking.
Maj Jai Upadhyay
Maj Jai Upadhyaya was commissioned in Infantry (TA) in 2015, he has done his Masters degree in MIS (AI) and specialization in Unmanned Systems (Drones)
Maj Jai Upadhyaya was commissioned in Infantry (TA) in 2015, he has done his Masters degree in MIS (AI) and specialization in Unmanned Systems (Drones) from the University of Texas, USA. The Officer has served in the Northern command theatre. Following his masters, he has led R&D projects in the US and across the world in the domain of advanced robotics and AI for defence and dual-use applications.
The Officer has been working for the past seven years to develop and induct state of the art Artificial Intelligence & Drone combat systems in the Indian Army. In his civil profession, he has over 14+ years of Research & Development expertise in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Drones systems. Currently, the Officer has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing an Innovation Cell at Delhi to cater to the IT related needs of the Indian Army.
Julian Farrance
Julian Farrance is a career employee of the National Army Museum, working there since 2000. Initially in the education team, he spent three years in the
Julian Farrance is a career employee of the National Army Museum, working there since 2000. Initially in the education team, he spent three years in the comms team and has worked as the lead for the Museum’s liaison with the UK’s Regimental and Corps Museums for the last eleven years (with additional responsibility for International partnerships) In this role Julian provides direct support, training, advice and networking administration for the UK’s one hundred and forty five museums.
Dr Jyoti Atwal
Dr Jyoti Atwal is Associate Professor of Modern Indian History at the Centre for Historical Studies, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University....
Dr Jyoti Atwal is Associate Professor of Modern Indian History at the Centre for Historical Studies, School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India & Visiting Professor (2022-2027) at UCD School of History, University College Dublin, Ireland.
She specializes in Modern Indian history and the post-colonial period with a focus on gender, socio-cultural history and transnational anti-imperial movements. She has published on themes ranging from the World Wars, widowhood, child marriage, gender-based violence, caste and cinema.
Dr Kajari Kamal
Dr. Kajari Kamal is a faculty member for the Post-Graduate Programme in Strategic Studies at Takshashila Institution, Bangalore. She teaches Kautilya’s
Dr. Kajari Kamal is a faculty member for the Post-Graduate Programme in Strategic Studies at Takshashila Institution, Bangalore. She teaches Kautilya’s Arthashastra through webinars and contact workshops. She was a guest faculty in the Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad. She is also a resource person for the Indigenous Historical Knowledge Project at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi.
She is a graduate in History from Lady Shri Ram College (1995-1998) and a postgraduate in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (1998-2000). She has recently (March, 2019) been awarded a doctoral degree by the Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad. Her PhD thesis titled, “Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Indian Strategic Culture: A Comparative Study of Two Phases of India’s Foreign Policy, 1947-1964 and 1998-2014”, reflects the convergence of her interest in ancient Indian historical text and contemporary strategic studies.
RJ Khurafati Nitin
The original prankster of the radio world, the man with a husky voice, Khurafati Nitin is a powerhouse of entertainment. Nitin’s popularity cuts across
The original prankster of the radio world, the man with a husky voice, Khurafati Nitin is a powerhouse of entertainment. Nitin’s popularity cuts across listeners of various age groups. A quick thinker and an opinionated personality, Nitin brings in oodles of energy to his show. He's always been very fond of retro music: melodies by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. He’s always felt that retro has to be served in a cool way to the audience to be able to relish it in the most seamless and relatable way. He churns out the best of numbers from the 70s upto mid 2000s & brings in a favor of music from the older era.
Komal Narwani
Komal Narwani is a quirky storyteller who can bring even the most complex ideas to life with her captivating narration. Over the last decade, she has
Komal Narwani is a quirky storyteller who can bring even the most complex ideas to life with her captivating narration. Over the last decade, she has mastered the end-to-end content chain. From conceptualization to creation, and from delivery to distribution, she enjoys the creative and business sides of content.
As part of Amar Chitra Katha, she looks after licensing, brand partnerships and educational initiatives. She is an author, a resident storyteller and a story creation workshop mentor. Her first book, Professor Ayushman Fights COVID-19, for the Ministry of Ayush was launched by the honourable Prime Minister of India at the Global Summit.
KS Nair
K Sree Kumar (pen-name K S Nair) is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM, Bangalore. He has served as a guest lecturer or visiting professor at universities and B-schools in
K Sree Kumar (pen-name K S Nair) is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM, Bangalore. He has served as a guest lecturer or visiting professor at universities and B-schools in India, South Africa, the UK, and the West Indies. He recently completed a USAID funded engagement at TechnoServe as Chief of Party for the India-Africa Innovation Bridge Program. He also directed a number of public sector capacity-building programs, including one for the armed forces of a medium-sized European country.
AVM Samuel M Nicodemus VrC, VSM (Retd)
AVM Samuel Nicodemus serves as the Director, Global Business Development for Boeing Defence, Space and Security in India, responsible for the growth
AVM Samuel Nicodemus serves as the Director, Global Business Development for Boeing Defence, Space and Security in India, responsible for the growth of defence and training sales with the Indian Air Force and Indian Army, as well as space related activities, building on existing customer relationships and strengthening engagement. Samuel retired from the IAF in 2020 after a career spanning 36 years, the best part of which were spent in Aviation Operations, Experimental Test Flying and Defence Procurement related activities.
As a pilot in the IAF, he flew over 4700 hours all over India, in the Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka, as part of the two scientific expeditions in Antarctica, and in Congo as part of the United Nations. These also included tenures as a Flying Instructor, Experimental Test Pilot and Senior Test Flying Instructor.
His expertise in test flying was utilized repeatedly for Defence Procurement and strategic planning related activities; and he handled a number of projects for the IAF in various appointments at Indian Air Force HQ and the Ministry of Defence. He was also appointed at Air HQ to manage Transport and Helicopter operations as the Asst Chief of Air Staff Operations, and Joint Operations at HQ IDS as the Asst Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.
He is a recipient of two Presidential medals – the Vir Chakra for gallantry, and the Vishisht Seva Medal for outstanding service. He retained an interest in academics, and obtained Masters degrees in Defence Studies and Management Studies, as well as a Master of Philosophy in Business Management, also serving as a Head of Faculty at the College of Defence Management. He uses this experience to give talks on Leadership at various forums in the Corporate sector.
While not working, he is engaged in cycling, painting, reading or involved with music.
Col Mandeep Singh (Retd)
Colonel Mandeep Singh, a veteran air defence gunner, has a Masters in Defence & Strategic Studies. Since his superannuation in 2016, he has been
Colonel Mandeep Singh, a veteran air defence gunner, has a Masters in Defence & Strategic Studies. Since his superannuation in 2016, he has been engaged in research and he has been awarded Chair of Excellence twice for his work on ‘Hong Kong Singapore Royal Artillery’ and ‘History of Indian Air Defence Artillery 1940-1945. He has done pioneering research on ‘China Gun Lascars’ and his paper on the subject has been published in the Journal of the ‘Society for Army Historical Research.’
His other books include ‘Antiaircraft Artillery in Combat 1950-1972’, ‘Air Defence Artillery in Combat, 1972 to the Present The Age of the Surface-to-Air Missiles’ and ‘Air Defence Gunners at War: India- Pakistan War 1971’.
Maj Gen Mandip Singh, SM, VSM (Retd)
Maj Gen Mandip Singh, SM, VSM (Retd) is a Distinguished Fellow at United Service Institution of India (USI), a leading Military think tank based in New Delhi
Maj Gen Mandip Singh, SM, VSM (Retd) is a Distinguished Fellow at United Service Institution of India (USI), a leading Military think tank based in New Delhi. He has served as a Senior Fellow, Institute of Defence Studies & Analyses, New Delhi where he headed the China & East Asia Centre. He retired as ADG of the Rashtriya Rifles.He is a Visiting Fellow at Mercator Institute of China Studies, Berlin, Germany. He is also a Visiting Faculty at ITBP Academy Mussoorie, BSF Academy, Tekanpur, DSSC Wellington, Naval War College, Goa, Air War College, Hyderabad, Dept of Def Studies, Panjab University, Allahabad University. He was awarded Commendations by the Chief of the Army Staff (2003, 2009) twice and GOC-in-C, Army Training Command for devotion to duty. He is also a recipient of the ‘Scholaris Bellator’ award for academic excellence at Army Training Command Shimla (2015, 2019).The General is also the President (Strategic Alliances) of DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Ltd, one of India’s leading companies in Drone Services & training.
Mandira Nayar
Mandira Nayar is a journalist with two decades of reporting experience. She writes on books, foreign affairs, culture and history. She is currently the deputy
Mandira Nayar is a journalist with two decades of reporting experience. She writes on books, foreign affairs, culture and history. She is currently the deputy bureau chief at The Week. She has worked with The Hindu and The Telegraph and is Charles Wallace scholar.
Dr Manvi Seth
Dr Manvi Seth is currently Dean, NMI and Professor and Head in the Department of Museology, National Museum Institute. Since August 2002
Dr Manvi Seth is currently Dean, NMI and Professor and Head in the Department of Museology, National Museum Institute. Since August 2002 she has been teaching in the Department of Museology. Prior to this, she worked as the Curator, Decorative Arts, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, City Palace, Jaipur from 2000-2002. She has been awarded two prestigious grants jointly with Dr. Sandra Dudley, School of Museum Studies, University of Leicester, from the British Academy and UGC-UKIERI. Prof. Seth has curated the Community Museum in Gya, Ladakh which was inaugurated in March 2022. She has also curated many exhibitions. Amongst the various exhibitions she has curated, the prominent ones are – ‘Re(ad)dress: Return of Treasures’, an exhibition on repatriated antiquities to India organized as part of the G20 Summit under India’s Presidency from 22 February to 28 February 2023, and ‘First Frames –In the Footsteps of Early Explorers’. Prof. Seth is the recipient of the prestigious Nehru Trust UK Visiting Fellowship. She has been awarded the “Best Professor’ award by the Dewang Mehta National Education Awards. She has successfully completed the Leadership Training Programme organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the British Museum. Prof. Seth is the Chair of, Intangible Cultural Heritage Working Group, CIDOC.
Meghna Girish
After schooling across the country as an army officer’s daughter, Meghna did B Pharm from Govt College of Pharmacy in Bangalore. Marriage to a Fighter
After schooling across the country as an army officer’s daughter, Meghna did B Pharm from Govt College of Pharmacy in Bangalore. Marriage to a Fighter Pilot (Wg Cdr Girish Kumar), the birth of twins Akshay and Neha and life as an Air Force Officer's wife notwithstanding, she continued her education doing her Masters in Pharmacy with Distinction from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS-Pilani). She took up teaching for 13 years in Pharmacy Colleges and went on to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law from National Law School (NLSIU) Bangalore. Meghna then made a career shift from academia to the NGO Sector, working with ActionAid India both at the state and national level for 8 years. Later, she continued working as a freelance Development Consultant.
Meghna, as mother of a Braveheart who led his Quick Reaction Team to save lives of families trapped in a terror attack in Nagrota and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, is also the Co-Founder of Major Akshay Girish Memorial Trust which works to strengthen patriotism and service to the nation.
Her blog called ‘finding new meaning’ is widely read in many countries. With over 60k followers on twitter, she is considered a social influencer.
She has led two nationwide collaborative research studies related to soldiers. The research for advocacy through data analysis makes recommendations to address gaps and challenges in access to entitlements and benefits for families of soldiers killed in action, war wounded soldiers and disabled cadets.
Recent Awards:
Inspired India Foundation Award for Social Service in 2021
USI-War Wounded Foundation Chair of Excellence Award 2021-23
Lt Gen Mohinder Puri, PVSM, UYSM (Retd)
Lt Gen Mohinder Puri was commissioned into the Fifth Battalion of the Third Gorkha Rifles in June 1966. He commanded his battalion in Mizoram and later
Lt Gen Mohinder Puri was commissioned into the Fifth Battalion of the Third Gorkha Rifles in June 1966. He commanded his battalion in Mizoram and later an infantry brigade in the Akhnoor sector of J&K.In his command of the famous 8 Mountain Division, his formation spearheaded the Army’s offensive in the Kargil sector and restored the sanctity of the Line of Control by capturing Tololing, Tiger Hill and Point 4875 which became household names during the war.
Later he commanded a Corps in the Punjab-Rajasthan sector. Before superannuation, he was the Military Secretary and retired as Deputy Chief of the Army Staff.
Brig MS Jodha (Retd)
Brigadier Mahendra Singh Jodha was commissioned into the Indian Army on 14 December 1985. He is a third generation officer from his family and both his
Brigadier Mahendra Singh Jodha was commissioned into the Indian Army on 14 December 1985. He is a third generation officer from his family and both his sons are also serving as officers in the Indian Army to continue the legacy. He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Chittorgarh; National Defence Academy Khadakwasla and a post graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He has had varied staff, instructional and command experience over a period of 33 years in the army. He has been awarded the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, the Vice Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Cards for distinguished service.
Brig Jodha’s interest in the Indian story of the Great War grew out of his research into the wartime experience of his grandfather Lt Col Aman Singh, OBI, IOM, who led the famous cavalry charge by the Jodhpur Lancers at Haifa on 23 September, 1918. His research spanning more than a decade paved the way for immortalising the valour of Indian soldiers in the eyes of India and the world. The Story of the Jodhpur Lancers is his first book.
Nandini Sengupta
Nandini Sengupta is an Indian writer and journalist based in Pondicherry. She became fascinated with India’s glorious past after a visit to Ajanta Ellora caves
Nandini Sengupta is an Indian writer and journalist based in Pondicherry. She became fascinated with India’s glorious past after a visit to Ajanta Ellora caves in 2007 which soon inspired her to write in the historical fiction genre. Her bestselling titles include The Blue Horse And Other Amazing Animals from Indian History published by Hatchette India which was shortlisted for both the Author Awards 2022 and the Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023, the Gupta Empire Trilogy comprising The King Within, The Poisoned Heart and The Ocean’s Own published by HarperCollins India and Kalidas: A Gem Among Poets published by Goodearth Publications. Rani Durgawati: The Forgotten Life of a Warrior Queen published by Penguin India is her first narrative non-fiction biography. It made it to the 2023 Author Award shortlist in the non-fiction category.
Col P K Gautam (Retd)
Pradeep Kumar Gautam (Retd) is a war veteran of 1971 (Bangladesh). He is an Honorary Distinguished Fellow at CMHCS. He has written extensively on environmental
Pradeep Kumar Gautam (Retd) is a war veteran of 1971 (Bangladesh). He is an Honorary Distinguished Fellow at CMHCS. He has written extensively on environmental security, water, climate change, military affairs, and Tibet. He has authored edited chapters, articles and monographs on Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Kamandaka’s Nitishastra, and The Kural. He is the co-editor of three volumes of Indigenous Historical Knowledge: Kautilya and His Vocabulary. He is a subject matter expert for the College of Defence Management.
Maj Gen P K Saini, VSM (Retd)
Maj Gen P K Saini, VSM (Retd) is an alumni of NDA (66), 1985 batch officer from 2 Mech Inf (JAT Li), who superannuated from Army on 30 April, 2022 after a stint of two years as
Maj Gen P K Saini, VSM (Retd) is an alumni of NDA (66), 1985 batch officer from 2 Mech Inf (JAT Li), who superannuated from Army on 30 April, 2022 after a stint of two years as ADG ACQUISITION TECH (ARMY) in the Ministry of Defence; is presently Principal Advisor to SIDM since June 2022.
An officer with 37 years of diverse military experience has the core competency in equipment related issues; be it technology, operation, sustenance, or the life cycle concept of management. The officer with distinction in tank technology course (TTC), specialized in missiles & gunnery and was Commander of MAC Group at MIRC Ahmednagar; a Technical Institute for Officers & men.
The officer served as DDG Mech Inf in DGMF and thereafter ADG Acq Tech(Army) in the Ministry of Defence. The officer was also actively involved in missiles trials in Siachen in 1988-1989 and induction of tanks & BMPS/BRDMs in Ladakh Sector.
The officer has been actively steering innovative policy changes, be it trials & testing – certification, simulation, QA process or policy formulation for Make in India and Indigenisation.
Maj Gen Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd)
Maj Gen (Dr) Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd.) was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers and was awarded the President’s Gold Medal at the National Defence Academy
Maj Gen (Dr) Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd.) was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers and was awarded the President’s Gold Medal at the National Defence Academy for being First in Order of Merit, and later the Sword of Honour at the Indian Military Academy(IMA). He is a qualified Mechanical Engineer, Masters in Strategic Studies, defence management, and a Doctorate in general management concerning indigenisation of defence industry. He is currently a Distinguished Fellow with the USI of India and Head of USI-ANBI, looking at deep technologies and the defence industry.
Lt Cdr Pawan Desai
An alumnus of Stanford (Global School of Business), Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of management studies, IVLP Fellow (US State Department) Pawan has 25+ years of experience in the
An alumnus of Stanford (Global School of Business), Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of management studies, IVLP Fellow (US State Department) Pawan has 25+ years of experience in the security risk management domain and a TEDx speaker. He has been involved with initial set up and growth of a Mahindra Group consulting company in the domain of Cyber Security before co-founding MitKat Advisory Services. Currently he is the CEO and responsible for the MitKat’s P&L and future global aspirations. A distinguished Ex-Indian Navy officer with specialization in Submarine operations, he speaks regularly at prestigious forums like OSAC, ACSG, ASIS, BCI, Duty of Care, etc. He has authored several articles in professional journals and has been selected as one of the few security professionals in the country to be part of the delegation representing India in the India-US security professionals meet in US in 2014. He likes to give back to the next generation by being a regular visiting faculty at Symbiosis International University, NMIMS. RRU and many other premium management institutes. Also a regular speaker at College of Defence Management, Hyderabad. His professional qualifications include CISA, CISSP, CBCP, among others.
Prof Peter Stanley
Prof Peter Stanley, FAHA is one of Australia's most distinguished military historians and a retired Research Professor at UNSW Canberra.
Prof Peter Stanley, FAHA is one of Australia's most distinguished military historians and a retired Research Professor at UNSW Canberra. He was Principal Historian at the Australian War Memorial from 1980-2007. Peter has published over 40 books, mainly in the field of Australian military history and the military history of British India. He has just delivered his largest book, John Company's Armies: the Military Forces of British India 1824-57, to be published by Helion in 2024.
Prabal Pratap Singh
Prabal Pratap Singh is Group Editor-Hindi cluster, News18 Network, one of the leading hindi national news channels of India. It belongs to the Network18
Prabal Pratap Singh is Group Editor-Hindi cluster, News18 Network, one of the leading hindi national news channels of India. It belongs to the Network18 group. A journalist who comes with a background experience of The Pioneer and Aaj Tak. A first Indian journalist to set foot on the war driven Afghanistan, whose reportage was acknowledged all across. Be it war, terrorism, left wing extremism and election, he has been there reporting from ground zero for the print and television in his 25 years of journalistic career.
Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & BAR, VSN, IN (RETD)
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College, the Naval War College, and the National Defence College, with BSc,
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College, the Naval War College, and the National Defence College, with BSc, MSc and MPhil degrees under his belt, Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & Bar, VSM, is currently the Director-General of the National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi, which is India’s foremost resource center for the development and advocacy of strategies for the promotion and protection of India’s maritime interests.
His sea-going service incorporates as many as four command-appointments. After doing the 42nd NDC, he was the Principal Director of Naval Operations and thereafter went on to command the Indian Navy’s sole aircraft carrier of that period, the Viraat. As a Rear Admiral, he was the Navy’s first Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation & Intelligence), where he conceptualised and executed the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). As a Vice Admiral, he has been Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command; and was, in his last naval appointment before retirement, the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala). He has been commended three times by the President of India for sustained distinguished service.
Apart from being on the visiting faculty of the higher-command establishments of all three of India’s defence services, as also tri-Service establishments such as the College of Defence Management, Hyderabad and the National Defence College, New Delhi, he has also been advising the government through his interaction with the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Navy), the Ministry of External Affairs, and the National Security Council Secretariat. He is, in addition, a prolific writer with over 95 published professional articles and papers, and a respected Adviser and Fellow of several important think-tanks.
Pramod Kapoor
Pramod Kapoor, the founder and publisher of Roli Books (established in 1978), has over the course of his illustrious career, conceived and produced
Pramod Kapoor, the founder and publisher of Roli Books (established in 1978), has over the course of his illustrious career, conceived and produced award-winning books that have proven to be game-changers in the world of publishing. In 2016, he was conferred with the prestigious Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour), the highest civil and military award in France, for his contribution towards producing books that have changed the landscape of Indian publishing. He is also a recipient of the Mahatma Award 2021 (an Aditya Birla Group initiative) for Lifetime Achievement for his contribution to publishing and literature in India.
Preeti Gill
Preeti Gill is an independent literary agent who has more than 20 years experience in the publishing industry as a commissioning editor and rights director.
Preeti Gill is an independent literary agent who has more than 20 years experience in the publishing industry as a commissioning editor and rights director. She has travelled extensively in the North East of India and written on issues of conflict and women. She is the editor of The Peripheral Centre: Voices from India’s The Peripheral Centre: Voices from India’s Northeast as well as Bearing Witness: A Report on the Impact of Conflict on Women in Nagaland and Assam.
Priyasha Dixit
Priyasha Dixit is a Research Associate at the National Maritime Foundation. She completed her graduate studies from University of Delhi and holds a BA
Priyasha Dixit is a Research Associate at the National Maritime Foundation. She completed her graduate studies from University of Delhi and holds a BA degree in History and Political Science.
She also holds a MA degree, majoring in Law, Politics and Society, from the Ambedkar University, New Delhi. She interned within the Foundation’s “Spring 2022” internship programme. Her key areas of research, as a Research Associate at the NMF, are maritime history, heritage and culture and maritime geostrategies of the Indo-Pacific.
Rachna Bisht
Rachna Bisht Rawat is the author of six books by Penguin Random House India, including the bestsellers The Brave and Kargil. She lives in Gurugram with Hukum...
Rachna Bisht Rawat is the author of six books by Penguin Random House India, including the bestsellers The Brave and Kargil. She lives in Gurugram with Hukum the bright-eyed, bushy-tailed golden retriever; an eclectic collection of books and music; and Manoj Rawat, the man in olive green, who met her when he was a gentleman cadet at the Indian Military Academy and offered to be her comrade for life.
Amb TCA Raghavan (Retd)
T.C.A Raghavan retired from the Indian Foreign Service in December 2015 as Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan (2013-15). He had earlier served as
T.C.A Raghavan retired from the Indian Foreign Service in December 2015 as Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan (2013-15). He had earlier served as Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan (2003-2007) and High Commissioner to Singapore from 2009 to 2013.
During his last posting in New Delhi (2007-09) in the Ministry of External Affairs Dr Raghavan was Joint Secretary dealing with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. He has also served in Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and Bhutan. Posts earlier held in the Ministry of External Affairs include Director of the Office of the External Affairs Minister (2000-2003).
He was awarded a PhD by the Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1992 for his dissertation relating to the economic history of India.
His current interests are historical research, strategic analysis and the diplomatic and intellectual history of modern India. He writes, lectures and participates in discussions on issues relating to Indian and South Asian diplomatic history, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and South East Asia.
He is the author of (i) Attendant Lords, Bairam Khan and Abdur Rahim- Courtiers and Poets in Mughal India, awarded the Mohammad Habib Memorial Prize by the Indian History Congress in December 2017. (ii) ‘The People Next Door- The Curious History of India’s relations with Pakistan’. (Harper Collins, 2017). His latest book is entitled "History Men: Jadunath Sarkar, G.S. Sardesai, Raghubir Sinh and their quest for India's Past" (2019).
He assumed charge as Director General, Indian Council of World Affairs on 24th July, 2018.
Lt Gen Raj Shukla PVSM,YSM,SM (Retd)
Lieutenant General Raj Shukla, PVSM, YSM, SM (Retd) was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Army Training Command (GOC-in-C ARTRAC).
Lieutenant General Raj Shukla, PVSM, YSM, SM (Retd) was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Army Training Command (GOC-in-C ARTRAC). He has commanded a Medium Regiment in the Eastern Theatre as part of a Mountain Division. He has been the Director General Perspective Planning (DGPP) at Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence. He has been a Research Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and a visiting fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. Currently, he is a Distinguished Fellow, United Services Institution of India.
Air Marshal (Dr) Rajeev Sachdeva, AVSM (Retd)
Air Marshal (Dr) Rajeev Sachdeva, AVSM (Retd), served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and officiated as Additional Secretary (Air) at DMA, MoD.
Air Marshal (Dr) Rajeev Sachdeva, AVSM (Retd), served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and officiated as Additional Secretary (Air) at DMA, MoD. He is a Distinguished Fellow at i2p2M and Certified Management Instructor by AIMA. Other joint appointments were Co-Chair DIATF with US for development of niche capabilities; Officiated as Chairman of DCMG and steered the projects for NFS & DCN.
Air Vice Marshal Rajesh Isser, AVSM, VM (G) (Retd)
Air Vice Marshal Rajesh Isser, AVSM, VM (G) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Dec 82 and has over 8000 hours of flying to his credit,
Air Vice Marshal Rajesh Isser, AVSM, VM (G) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Dec 82 and has over 8000 hours of flying to his credit, including combat experience in Sri Lanka (Indian Peace Keeping Forces 1987-88), Siachen Glacier, Kargil (1999) and Congo (UNPK 2003-04). He is a Category A flying instructor.
He has operated with all Special Forces of the Indian Armed Forces in various operations since 1983. He has also trained with the NSG as a helicopter crew for special missions. He has held numerous operational commands and staff appointments in his career of 37 years. He has been the IAF’s HADR Task Force Commander in many rescue and relief ops all over India, including Uttrakhand 2013, Ladakh-Leh 2010, Andhra- Karnataka 2009 and Arunachal Pradesh 2000. He has also done HADR coordination in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan over the years. He has commanded an Aviation Unit in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo (MONUC) under Chapter VII.
He flew and coordinated a number of humanitarian missions in DRC, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. As a Director of Net Assessment at HQ IDS, he has coordinated numerous strategic projects and has authored strategy reports on many critical issues. He is an author of four books and has a number of articles to his credit in national and international journals on diverse subjects such as disaster response, peacekeeping, airpower in counter- insurgency, irregular conflicts etc. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies on leadership challenges in disaster response.
Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd)
Lt Gen (Dr) Rakesh Sharma was commissioned in Gorkha Rifles in 1977, and had a career spanning forty years in the Army. He has had extensive
Lt Gen (Dr) Rakesh Sharma was commissioned in Gorkha Rifles in 1977, and had a career spanning forty years in the Army. He has had extensive operational experience in Jammu and Kashmir, North East and on the Western Borders. The officer had trained the Botswana Army for three years in Africa, and attended the National War College at Abuja, Nigeria.
He was Research Fellow at Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and has done PhD in Defence Studies. General Rakesh Sharma commanded the Fire and Fury Corps in Ladakh responsible for Kargil, Siachin Glacier and Eastern Ladakh – facing both Pakistan and China.
The General was the Adjutant General of the Indian Army responsible for the Human Resource Management and superannuated in 2017.He is currently DISTINGUISHED FELLOW with Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) and Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and on the EXECUTIVE COUNCIL of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) and of Global Counter Terrorism Council (GCTC).
Prof Raman Surie
Prof. Raman Dev Surie is an architect and urban planner. He is a graduate of the NIT Nagpur and of the University of Manitoba, in Canada, where he was
Prof. Raman Dev Surie is an architect and urban planner. He is a graduate of the NIT Nagpur and of the University of Manitoba, in Canada, where he was awarded a graduate fellowship. He has over fifty years of diverse international experience in architecture & urban planning projects, including ones funded by international agencies such as S.I.D.A., and the World Bank. He worked in Iran, Botswana and North America before returning to work in India.
He has a special interest in heritage conservation and has guided several thesis projects and done research work in these fields, as well as working on consultancies in this area. He retired in 2011, as a professor & Head of the Department at the School of Planning & Architecture in New Delhi and now engages in advisory & consultancy work. He has made presentations on Military Heritage Conservation, at the USI-NAM Military Museum Curators Training Courses. He is an advisor to the Delhi Urban Arts Commission and a member of the Construction Committee (Deed), of the Ram Janambhoomi Temple Complex, at Ayodhya.
Lt Gen Ramesh Kulkarni
Lt Gen Ramesh Kulkarni was commissioned in the Garhwal Rifles Infantry in June 1956. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, the Higher
Lt Gen Ramesh Kulkarni was commissioned in the Garhwal Rifles Infantry in June 1956. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, the Higher Command course at the College of Combat Mhow and the National Defence College New Delhi. Gen Kulkarni has also held many staff and instructional assignments, the significant senior positions being Brigadier-in-Charge Administration of a Strike Corps in 1985, Major General General Staff of the Northern Army Command in 1986, Additional Director General Perspective Planning at the Army Headquarters in 1989, the Director General of the Assam Rifles in 1990-1991 and finally as the Adjutant General at the Army Headquarters in 1992-1993 after which he retired.
In the course of his tenure, Gen Kulkarni was the recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
Post his retirement Gen Kulkarni was appointed as the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group to enforce and monitor the ceasefire between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah group). This was followed by him being appointed as the Chairman of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board, that covered the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang group). He held both these posts concurrently from 2001 to 2007 and was granted the rank and status of a serving Lt Gen / Army Commander.
Sqn Ldr Rana Chhina, MBE (Retd)
Squadron Leader Rana TS Chhina served in the Indian Air Force as a helicopter pilot. He is currently Director of the United Service Institution of India (USI)
Squadron Leader Rana TS Chhina served in the Indian Air Force as a helicopter pilot. He is currently Director of the United Service Institution of India (USI) Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS). The author of a number of books, he was Vice President of the Indian Military Historical Society (2004-2020), and a member of the Government of India’s Archival Advisory Board. He is a member of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)
Independent Advisory Panel and is actively engaged in promoting the preservation of India’s rich tangible and intangible military heritage. A recipient of the Macgregor Medal for best military reconnaissance, he was appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2016 and an Officer of the Belgian Order of Leopold in 2018.
Rana Safvi
Rana Safvi is a scholar, author, translator and columnist committed to India's rich cultural heritage and diverse civilizational legacy
Rana Safvi is a scholar, author, translator and columnist committed to India's rich cultural heritage and diverse civilizational legacy. Her work spans a variety of media including writings, podcasts, videos, and translations. With a remarkable portfolio, she has authored ten books that delve into topics ranging from culture and history to the monuments of India. Rana Safvi's blog, "ranasafvi.com," serves as a treasure trove of cultural, literary, and historical insights.
Dr Rima Hooja
An archaeologist, historian and writer, with a Ph.D from Cambridge University, Dr Rima Hooja is Director MSMS II Museum Jaipur, & Jaigarh Fort;
An archaeologist, historian and writer, with a Ph.D from Cambridge University, Dr Rima Hooja is Director MSMS II Museum Jaipur, & Jaigarh Fort; Managing Trustee Jaipur Virasat Foundation; Visiting Faculty School of Planning & Architecture Delhi, & President ICOMOS India.
A former Member of India’s National Monuments Authority Govt of India; & Central Advisory Board for Archaeology [CABA] Govt of India, she is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland, & a Distinguished International Academician of Minnesota University (USA).
She has held various academic posts, been Visiting Fellow Institute of Development Studies, Director Minnesota University’s MSID India Program, Faculty Director New York State Independent College Consortium for Study in India Program, and serves on several governing boards, committees and councils.
Books by her include Ahar Culture & Beyond; Prince, Patriot, Parliamentarian; Crusader for Self-Rule; Mandan’s ‘Devata-Murti-Prakarnam’; History of Rajasthan; Constructing Rajpootana-Rajasthan(co-edited); Conserving Fortified Heritage (co-edited); Rajasthani Stories Retold; Rajasthan: A Concise History; Forts of Maharashtra; and Maharana Pratap: The Invincible Warrior. She has written over 75 papers and articles. She runs the Animal Care Trust housing about 60 cats.
Robert Lyman
Dr Robert Lyman FRHistS is a writer and historian. He is a Research Fellow at the Changing Character of War Centre, Pembroke College, University of
Dr Robert Lyman FRHistS is a writer and historian. He is a Research Fellow at the Changing Character of War Centre, Pembroke College, University of Oxford.
After finishing a twenty year career in the British Army in 2001 he has published widely on the Second World War in Europe, North Africa and Asia. He is Field Marshal Bill Slim’s military biographer. His presentation of the case for Slim won a National Army Museum debate in 2011 for Britain’s Greatest General and his case for Kohima/Imphal won a National Army Museum debate in 2013 for Britain’s Greatest Battle.
He was the BBC’s historical adviser for the VJ commemorations in 2015 and 2020 and is a regular contributor to documentary films on aspects of the war.
He is currently finishing a new narrative account of the war in the Far East (‘A War of Empires’) due for publication by Osprey in November 2021. Also in the pipeline is an account of the two Chindit campaigns (Operations Longcloth and Thursday), an account of American experiences of living under Nazism (‘Jackboot’), the story of the British Army between 1918 and 1940 and a combined biography of Britain’s greatest generals of the Second World War, Bill Slim and Bernard Montgomery.
He also leads the battlefield tours of of the following:
The Cultural Experience Battle Guide Virtual Tours Sampan Travel Forgotten War Tour He is a supporter of Aspects of History where he has an Author Platform. He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.. Robert has been a trustee of the Kohima Educational Trust since 2004, and Chairman between 2008-2016.
Rohit Kumar
Rohit Kumar, a rock-climbing and space enthusiast, earned his Bachelors in German from Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Masters in Peace & Conflict
Rohit Kumar, a rock-climbing and space enthusiast, earned his Bachelors in German from Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Masters in Peace & Conflict Studies and M.Phil. in European Studies, both, from Jamia Millia Islamia University. He holds a Diploma in International Laws and Diplomacy from The Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi.
He is a recipient of the UGC-Junior Research Fellowship in Defense and Strategic Studies and received Israel government funding to complete a program on Identity Based Conflict from Bar Ilan University, Israel.
Rohit is a former Trainee of European External Action Service at EU Delegation to India and Bhutan in New Delhi. He has previously worked with Ashoka University, South Asia Terrorism Portal, and a Rajya Sabha MP. He has contributed articles for South Asia Monitor, The News Minute, International Platform on Sport & Development, and PeacePlayers International (Middle-East) among others, and is a regular commentator on Indian foreign and security issues for the Hong Kong based Phoenix TV.
His current research focuses on Indian strategic thinking, world order, and sports & diplomacy.
Dr Rosie Llewellyn-Jones, MBE
Dr Rosie Llewellyn Jones lectures extensively in Britain and abroad. She is editor of Chowkidar, the Journal of the British Association for Cemeteries
Dr Rosie Llewellyn Jones lectures extensively in Britain and abroad. She is editor of Chowkidar, the Journal of the British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia (BACSA) which records and restores European graves of those who died before 1947. She was awarded an MBE in 2015 for services to BACSA and British Indian studies. She was archivist at the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, until its move to Haileybury in 2021. She has visited India frequently, leading groups for major British-based tour companies, including Martin Randall and Indus Experiences. She is currently a Council member of the Royal Asiatic Society.
She lives in London with two cats called Havelock and Lawrence.
Lt Gen (Dr) RS Panwar
Lt Gen (Dr) R S Panwar was commissioned into the Indian Army Corps of Signals in 1976. He has commanded two logistics formations, an electronic warfare brigade and an armoured
Lt Gen (Dr) R S Panwar was commissioned into the Indian Army Corps of Signals in 1976. He has commanded two logistics formations, an electronic warfare brigade and an armoured division signal regiment, as also the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering. He is a graduate of the National Defence College and holds a master’s degree in management from Osmania University. He has the distinction of being awarded a doctoral degree in computer science as well as the coveted Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Bombay, the first defence officer to hold such an honour. As a Distinguished Fellow at the USI, he is presently engaged in evolving strategic thought in the areas of non-kinetic warfare, network centric operations and emerging disruptive technologies. Over the last two years, he has been an active participant in Track II diplomacy efforts for achieving consensus on principles and good practices for responsible AI development in the military domain, involving experts from the US, China, EU, Russia, and India.
Capt Sarabjit Parmar
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and DSSC, Wellington, Captain Sarabjeet S Parmar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 July 1987
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and DSSC, Wellington, Captain Sarabjeet S Parmar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 July 1987 and retired on 30 June 2023. He has commanded IN Ships Bedi and Sharda, and INAS 330. He has published and spoken extensively on maritime security and strategy issues at various national and international conferences.
He was a member of the XI Indian Antarctic Summer Expedition in 1991. He has been a Research Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and worked in the Indian Navy’s strategic apex level offices (DSCT and MDCC) where; as part of the core team published the Indian Navy’s 2015 unclassified maritime security strategy document titled Ensuring Secure Seas: Indian Maritime Security Strategy; and carried out regional maritime assessments and completed the doctrine development plan, respectively.
He has been the Executive Director of the National Maritime Foundation and was a Senior Fellow at the foundation prior to his retirement. His areas of research include national and maritime strategy and security related aspects in the Indo-Pacific, piracy, HADR, and international maritime law with a focus on lawfare.
Brig Satish Dahiya
Brig Satish Dahiya, SM was commissioned in 14 SIKH LI in July 1990, Commanded the same unit in western and northern theater from Mar 2007 to Apr 2009
Brig Satish Dahiya, SM was commissioned in 14 SIKH LI in July 1990, Commanded the same unit in western and northern theater from Mar 2007 to Apr 2009. The officer is a graduate from NDA, Post Graduate from DSSC, Wellington, MMS from CDM, Secunderabad, M. Phil from NDC at Delhi and Stanford NUS Executive Program in International Management from National University of Singapore.
He has held various Staff, Instr and Comd appointments. He was GSO 1 (Ops) at HQ 10 Sect Assam Rif, Director MP-1 at New Delhi, Col GS (Plg) at AHQ 14 Corps, Col GS (China Cell) at HQ Northern Comd, Dy Cdr at 15 Inf Bde, Cdr at HQ 112 Mtn Bde, Dy MS at HQ ARTRAC, Dy MS at HQ Eastern Comd, Brig NA at HQ IDS, Brig (TF 1) at HQ IDS, DCIDS (TF1) at HQ IDS and presently tenanting the appt of Commander at TA Gp HQ Northern Comd.
Shruti Kharbanda
Shruti Kharbanda is a woman in STEM, mentor for Startup India and a founder at X-Thrive Enterprises, with over 24 years of global experience in
Shruti Kharbanda is a woman in STEM, mentor for Startup India and a founder at X-Thrive Enterprises, with over 24 years of global experience in structuring & solving complex & ambiguous business challenges for Fortune 100 companies across various industries.
As a mentor at Startup India, Shruti supports and advises aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in developing and scaling their ventures. She especially works with Defence start-ups and MSMEs.
Shruti is a Global Autonomous Business Advisor, trusted by large Enterprises to define roadmaps to adopt self-governing AI/ML powered Intelligent Autonomous Business focusing human intervention only on subjective decision-making.
Shruti has a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Sciences. She was invited by the University of Oxford, UK to study at Said Business School, where she pursued Executive Post Graduate in Global Business and Executive MBA.
Maj Gen SS Patil
Maj Gen SS Pail was commissioned in 11 JAK RIF on 16 Dec 1989, however has permanently been absorbed in the newly formed Ladakh Scouts Regiment
Maj Gen SS Pail was commissioned in 11 JAK RIF on 16 Dec 1989, however has permanently been absorbed in the newly formed Ladakh Scouts Regiment wef Dec 1999. Maj Gen SS Patil has served in all terrains across the country both in pivot and strike formations. He has served in 1 Ladakh Scouts, Ladakh Regtl Centre, 30 Inf Bde and opportunity to serve in numerous Sectors in various appointments, both operational and logistics/ administrative to incl AQMG (NDA), Col Q, GSO-1 (MI-6) as well as Col GS (Ops) 21 Corps, Brig Adm, HQ Northern Command, Brig Adm, NDA Khadakwasla and GOC 71 Sub Area. He has undergone all courses of instruction required for an Infantry Officer incl DSSC, SC, Higher Comd Course and NDC. He has a Counter Insurgency exposure both in North East and J&K Valley and has handled South East Asia Desk in MI Dte. The General Officer is presently tenating the appt of ADG Territorial Army.
Dr Stanly Johny
Dr Stanly Johny is the International Affairs Editor with The Hindu. A PhD in international studies from the Centre for West Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi
Dr Stanly Johny is the International Affairs Editor with The Hindu. A PhD in international studies from the Centre for West Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi, he anchors the paper’s international coverage, coordinating with its foreign correspondents and a dozen stringers, besides writing editorials, Op-Eds and other features. He has been writing on geopolitics and Indian foreign policy for over a decade, and has reported from different parts of the world, from Washington to Moscow and Tehran to Tel Aviv. Besides The Hindu, he’s written in news publications such as The Hindu Business Line, Frontline, Business Standard and Economic and Political Weekly.
Stephen Barker
Stephen is an independent Heritage Advisor who has worked with many heritage organisations, including the universities of Birmingham,
Stephen is an independent Heritage Advisor who has worked with many heritage organisations, including the universities of Birmingham, Nottingham and Oxford. He delivers presentations and tours related to the First World War and British Civil Wars. He is an Arts Council Accreditation Mentor, Advisor to the Museum Memories Project in India and is a Trustee of the Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust in the UK. Stephen is the author of ‘The 8th East Lancs in the Great War’ and 'Lion of the Skies: Hardit Singh Malik, the RAF and the First World War'.
Lt Gen Subrata Saha, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM & Bar (Retd)
Currently a Member of the National Security Advisory Board, Lt Gen Subrata Saha retired as Deputy Chief of Army Staff. He was responsible for
Currently a Member of the National Security Advisory Board, Lt Gen Subrata Saha retired as Deputy Chief of Army Staff. He was responsible for perspective planning, force modernization and capability development. He created the Army Design Bureau in 2016. Post retirement, he was the Founding Director General of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
His teaching and training experience include assignments held as Commander Higher Command Wing, Army War College, Commandant Assam Regiment Training Centre, and Instructor Indian Military Academy. He was awarded the rare ‘Distinguished’ grading on Junior Command Course. He is the only Indian Army Officer who is a graduate of both, Staff College Camberley (UK), and United States of America, Army War College. He was adjudged Best Overseas Student at Staff College Camberley and awarded the Gold Medal at Higher Command Course.
His academic qualifications include PhD on Irregular Warfare, M Phil, Double Masters’ degrees from Madras University and Pennsylvania USA, and Diploma in Management.
He is a Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. His articles, papers and opinion pieces are widely published in Indian and Foreign journals. He contributed a chapter on Out of Area Operations in Book Titled “Military Strategy for India in the 21st Century”, published by Centre for Land Warfare Studies, India, chapter on “Indigenisation of Defense Manufacturing in India”, in the USI Strategic Yearbook 2019.
Group Captain (Dr) Swaim Prakash Singh
Group Captain (Dr) Swaim Prakash Singh was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 1997 in the Administration branch. He is a cat AYE, Master
Group Captain (Dr) Swaim Prakash Singh was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 1997 in the Administration branch. He is a cat AYE, Master Fighter Controller, qualified Assistant Provost Marshal, and AWACS Mission Commander with over 1000 hours of flying and Directing Staff at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
He is an alumnus of DSSC Wellington and served as Directing Staff (psc+) for two years. The officer was part of the Tri-Services Indian Expert team to review the course curriculum of the Command and Staff College of Tanzania in 2016. He was instrumental in achieving a significant diplomatic feat in opening the Indian Armed Forces Training Team (IAFTT) at C&SC Tanzania, which commenced functioning in 2017. He has also been to Israel, Russia, and China. The officer has been commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of HQ Western Air Command in 2006 and by the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff in 2016.
The officer holds an MSc, M Phil, PhD and psc+ in Defence and Strategic Studies. He has been writing on various issues related to defence, aerospace power, and international relations. His articles have found a place in peer-reviewed prominent journals of CAPS, MPIDSA, IIPA and booklets of the Indian Army and the MoD. He has co-edited a book “Indian Air Force in its Centennial Decade” released in June 2023. The scholar warrior is currently employed as a Senior Fellow at the New Delhi-based think tank, the Centre for Air Power Studies.
Dr Swapna Liddle
Dr Swapna Liddle is a historian by training, having done a PhD on 19th century Delhi. For many years she has also been closely involved in the movement
Dr Swapna Liddle is a historian by training, having done a PhD on 19th century Delhi. For many years she has also been closely involved in the movement to preserve historic sites and monuments, and is associated with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). She works to popularise history and the cause of heritage protection through talks, heritage walks, and social and mainstream media. Her most recent books are The Broken Script: Delhi Under The East India Company And The Fall of The Mughal Dynasty, 1803-1857; and Shahjahanabad: Mapping a Mughal City.
Tanvi Srivastava
Tanvi Srivastava is the translator of The War Diary of Asha-san: From Tokyo to Netaji's Indian National Army written by Lt Bharati ‘Asha’ Sahay Choudhry....
Tanvi Srivastava is the translator of The War Diary of Asha-san: From Tokyo to Netaji's Indian National Army written by Lt Bharati ‘Asha’ Sahay Choudhry. The book has been featured in leading newspapers and magazines, such as The Hindu, The Hindustan Times, Outlook, The Asian Age, India Today, and Asian Review of Books. Tanvi also writes fiction and was a member of the 2021 cohort of the British Council-funded Write Beyond Borders program. She has published her work in journals like Kitaab, Asymptote, Gulmohur Quarterly, New Anthology of Asian Writing, among others. She lives in Bangalore, India, with her family.
Col Tej K Tikoo (Retd)
Col Tej K Tikoo (Retd), was born in Srinagar and did his schooling and college from there. He was commissioned in Aug 1971. Besides having fought the
Col Tej K Tikoo (Retd), was born in Srinagar and did his schooling and college from there. He was commissioned in Aug 1971. Besides having fought the 1971 Indo-Pak war on the eastern front (erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh), he has served extensively in counter- insurgency environment in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Punjab, Sri Lanka and later in J&K,besides having had a stint in Siachen Glacier, the world’s coldest and highest battlefield. Col Tikoo has written numerous articles on National/ International Affairs, Terrorism, Internal Security, Kashmir, etc., which have appeared in various journals and magazines over a period. He has also spoken in many seminars/ gatherings on the issues of leadership, National/ Internal Security, International Relations, Pakistan, and Kashmir. Col Tikoo is a founder member of Bharat Sampark, an international organization of Indian Diaspora professionals abroad.
Air Vice Marshal Tejbir Singh AVSM VM ACAS Ops (T&H), Air HQ (VB) IAF
Air Vice Marshal Tejbir Singh was commissioned in the IAF on 17 Dec 1988 in the transport stream. With over 7000 hrs of flying experience in all combat
Air Vice Marshal Tejbir Singh was commissioned in the IAF on 17 Dec 1988 in the transport stream. With over 7000 hrs of flying experience in all combat airlift roles, he has the unique distinction of having flown all major operational transport variants in IAF.
A Qualified Flying Instructor, he is an alumnus of our Defence Services Staff College and the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. He has held varied command and staff assignments including our Air Attaché to Bangladesh, CO of a Comn Unit, Director Air Staff Inspection and Director Operations at Air HQ.
He has been a pioneer in induction of the C-130J aircraft and establishing 77 Sqn, the first ‘Spl Ops’Sqn of IAF of which he is the Commodore Commandant. He is credited with various trials and new concepts on the ‘Super Hercules’ including the distinction of holding the world record for landing at the highest airstrip in the world in Ladakh at 16614’. He also holds the distinction of flying a grueling 13½ hrs unrefueled mission on C-130J, an IAF record.
The Air Officer has commanded two major flying bases; a premier training base and was credited with very successful conduct of Aero India-17 and a front line operational base supporting our Northern sector.Prior to tenanting the current appointment of ACAS (T&H) at Air HQ, he was the Senior Directing Staff (Air) at the National Defence College, New Delhi.
Tilak Devasher
Tilak Devasher retired as Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India in October 2014. He is Member, National Security Advisory Board
Tilak Devasher retired as Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India in October 2014. He is Member, National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), Consultant, Vivekananda International Foundation, Emeritus Resource Faculty at Rashtriya Raksha University and Distinguished Fellow, United Services Institution of India. He is the author of four widely acclaimed books on Pakistan: (i) ‘Pakistan: Courting the Abyss’; (December 2016) (ii) ‘Pakistan: At the Helm’ (July 2018),; (iii) ‘Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum’ (July 2019) and (iv) The Pashtuns: A Contested History (Sep 2022 He has also edited three books for the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) titled ‘Pakistan Insights 2019’, ‘Pakistan Insights 2020’ and ‘Pakistan Insights 2021-22’.
Tony McClenaghan
Tony McClenaghan’s interest in Indian military history started over 50 years ago. For many years he helped nurture the Indian Military Historical Society,
Tony McClenaghan’s interest in Indian military history started over 50 years ago. For many years he helped nurture the Indian Military Historical Society, serving at various times as Secretary, Editor and Treasurer. He has published three major works focussing on the Armies of the former Indian States - Indian Princely Medals (Delhi: Lancer, 1996); with the late Richard Head The Maharajas’ Paltans – a History of the Indian State Forces 1888-1948 (Delhi: USII/Manohar Publishers, 2013); and For the Honour of My House – the contribution of the Indian Princely States to the First World War (Warwick: Helion & Company Ltd, 2019). He has contributed chapters to two other books as well as a number of journal articles. His most recent work, Reconstitution: He has spoken at a number of literary festivals and conferences. He was appointed a Distinguished Fellow of USI-CAFHR in 2019 and in December 2022 the USI Council awarded him the Maharana Pratap Chair of Excellence 2023-24. He continues to research and write on various aspects of Indian military history.
Vaibhav Purandare
Vaibhav Purandare is a writer and independent historian. He has so far authored five bestselling non-fiction books. His latest book, Shivaji: India’s Great Warrior King, published by
Vaibhav Purandare is a writer and independent historian. He has so far authored five bestselling non-fiction books. His latest book, Shivaji: India’s Great Warrior King, published by Juggernaut Books, examines a singular figure in the early modern history of India. His book Hitler And India: The Untold Story of His Hatred For The Country And Its People, busted myths about where Adolf Hitler stood vis-à-vis India’s freedom struggle. His other books are Savarkar: The True Story of the Father of Hindutva, Bal Thackeray and the Rise of the Shiv Sena, and Sachin Tendulkar: A Definitive Biography. He works as a senior editor with The Times of India, and his writings have been published by the BBC, the Independent (UK), The Indian Express, and Hindustan Times, among other publications.
Prof Vasileios Syros
Prof Vasileios Syros is a Distinguished Fellow at USI and former Greek Chair Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi, India). Prof Syros is Life
Prof Vasileios Syros is a Distinguished Fellow at USI and former Greek Chair Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi, India). Prof Syros is Life Member of Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, and holds a concurrent appointment as Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for European Global Studies at the University of Basel (Switzerland). His areas of interest include the history of medieval and early modern political thought (Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions) and cross-cultural leadership.
Lt Gen Vinod Khandare
Lt Gen Vinod Khandare was Military Advisor in the National Security Council Secretariat under the Prime Minister’s Office (2018-2021). He was Director
Lt Gen Vinod Khandare was Military Advisor in the National Security Council Secretariat under the Prime Minister’s Office (2018-2021). He was Director General, Defense Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief, Integrated Defence Staff for Intelligence (2015-2018). Lt Gen Khandare served in the Indian Army for nearly four decades. Serving in Infantry, he excelled in challenging terrain, sectors, operational roles in Siachen, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim and North East region. For his exemplary service and commitment, Lt Gen Khandare has been awarded the Sena Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
He is an expert on Conventional Operations, Sub Conventional Counter Terrorism Operations, Information Warfare, Conflict Prevention and Peace Keeping Operations. Lt. Gen Khandare has first-hand experience in Strategic, Operational and Tactical Intelligence generation, fusion, analysis and dissemination. He is a keen analyst of International World Order, Comprehensive National Security, Defence and Governance Sector. Presently, he is serving as the Principal Advisor to the Ministry of Defence since 2022.
Col Vivek Chadha (Retd)
Col Vivek Chadha(Retd), is an infantry officer from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and commanded 1 Maratha LI(JANGI PALTAN), before seeking
Col Vivek Chadha(Retd), is an infantry officer from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and commanded 1 Maratha LI(JANGI PALTAN), before seeking premature retirement to pursue his interest in writing. He was part of the team that worked on the first Sub-Conventional Doctrine of the Indian Army and undertook two fellowships with the USI while in service. Consequently, he got the opportunity to work with the K. Subrahmanyam led task force on Global Strategic trends. Col Chadha has written seven single author books. Col Chadha is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Defence Studies at MP-IDSA. His current area of research deals with the strategic implications of the Mahabharata. He is a Senior Fellow at MP-IDSA.
Maj Gen VK Singh (Retd)
Major General VK Singh (Retd) is a career soldier who was commissioned into the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army on 27 June 1965. He is an alumnus
Major General VK Singh (Retd) is a career soldier who was commissioned into the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army on 27 June 1965. He is an alumnus of the Staff College, Wellington; the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad and the National Defence College, Delhi. He retired from active service in June 2002. His last appointment in the Army was Chief Signal Officer, Western Command. He served in the Cabinet Secretariat (RAW) from Nov 2000 to
June 2004. His varied interests include adventure sports, military history and journalism. A regular contributor to magazines and journals, many of his short stories and poems were published in the Illustrated Weekly, Filmfare, Femina and Eve’s Weekly in the seventies and eighties. In later years, he took to professional writing and has authored nine books, mostly dealing with military history, biographies, intelligence and etiquette.