RELIVING “THE STORY OF INDIAN WARFARE” AT THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, GOA

Goa, 27 December 2024: The International Centre Goa witnessed a unique gathering on 17th December when Colonel Ajay Singh addressed an enthusiastic audience of over 120 students, veterans and respected members of society on the subject of “The Story of Indian warfare.” This enthralling discussion covered a vast expanse of Indian history and warfare, right from the battle of Kurukshetra to the present day, in a span encompassing over 5000 years.

The director of The International Centre Goa, Dr Pushkar opened the proceedings with a glimpse of the subject and the author. He also highlighted the different events conducted at ICG to showcase Indian culture and heritage. Colonel Ajay is a veteran of the Indian Army, where he spent over 28 years, but found his true calling in the literary world. He has authored seven books on a wide genre of subjects and over 200 articles. He is a recipient of the Rabindranath Tagore International Award for Art and Literature, the Star Award for Excellence and the Bharat Literary Award for his contribution to literature. He regaled the audience with the story of Indian warfare based on his books and interspersed with personal experiences.

Colonel Ajay bought out both the strengths and flaws in Indian war-fighting that have repeatedly surfaced over the centuries. He also covered some of the seminal battles that have shaped Indian history. These included the Battle of Jhelum River between Alexandra and the king of Pauravas (he bought out that Porus was not the real name, but given to him by the Greeks), the three battles of Panipat, Palashi, and others. The post-independence battles were given greater emphasis. In this the Kashmir war of 1947-48, the India-China War of 1962 – which must never be forgotten or allowed to repeat itself – the 1965 India-Pakistan war, which was won by a thread, were covered. The victory of the 1971 Indo-Pak War ( whose anniversary fell virtually on the day of the talk) was covered in considerable detail, as was the 1999 Kargil War. The different facets of the liberation of Goa in 1961 was also highlighted.

Along the way, the audience were treated to some unknown vignettes – like the fact that because Indian gunners forgot to carry waterproof covers for the gunpowder, during the Battle of Palashi, they were unable to fire their guns at a crucial juncture, thus losing the war and changing the very course of Indian history. The lessons of history will go a long way in helping us understand the present and perhaps even shape the future.

What was the most heartening was the enthusiastic participation of the audience in a vibrant interaction. Many senior members shared their own views and experiences. The vast student body from different schools and colleges raised queries ranging from the Chinese threat, India’s relations with its neighbours, technology and future strategy, the Agniveer scheme and others. The culminating lesson that emerged was that whenever Indians have been strong and united, we have won. But when we have divided from within, these figures have been exploited by outsiders with disastrous results for the nation. It is a lesson that we must all heed.

The Author presenting his books to the Director

The impeccably organised event in the pristine environment of The International Centre Goa, brought together different minds to share ideas and thoughts and enriched us about different aspects of India’s culture, heritage and history.