Central University of Kerala launches Students’ Interactive Programme to foster engagement in the field of defence

Central University of Kerala launches Students’ Interactive Programme to foster engagement in the field of defence

Kasaragod: The Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, has launched ‘INICIO TEJASWINI 2024’, a new initiative aimed at facilitating engagement between experts in the field of defence and diplomacy, and students from diverse backgrounds. The program seeks to encourage the exchange of ideas and the development of new policies for nation-building and national integration.

The inaugural event, titled ‘INICIO TEJASWINI 2024: A Civil-Military Synergy’, was officially opened by Prof. Vincent Mathew, Vice Chancellor (i/c) of the Central University of Kerala. P. Bijoy IPS, District Police Chief, served as the Guest of Honor and emphasized the importance of discipline in everyday life.

The event attracted around 400 students from various institutions, including NCC cadets, Student Police Cadets, NSS volunteers, and students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and Kendriya Vidyalaya.

The following interactive session featured presentations by Col. Y. Vijaykumar on life in the Indian Army and the recruitment process, and by Lieutenant Commander Anupama Thapliyal on women’s experiences in the armed forces. The event concluded with an interactive discussion between the students and the experts, culminating with the singing of the National Anthem.

Prof. K. Jayaparasad, Dean, School of Global Studies, chaired the session. Prof. Suresh R, Director, Centre for Defence and Security Studies (CDSS), delivered the welcome address and V. Sreejith, Security Officer, proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Reinhart Philip, Coordinator of CDSS, presented an activity report detailing the Centre’s initiatives.

It is pertinent to note that a 5-daynational-level workshop on India’s National Security and Disaster Management, organised by the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, at the Central University of Kerala concluded on August 23.

Achieving technological independence by 2035 is a crucial national military objective, stated Colonel Y. Vijaya Kumar, Group Commander of the NCC Group HQ in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. He was speaking during the National Level Workshop on India’s National Security and Disaster Management.

In his presentation on the “Role of Armed Forces in Securing India’s National Security”, Colonel Vijaya Kumar underscored the essential responsibility of the armed forces in safeguarding and promoting national values, aims, and interests. He highlighted the foundational national values, including Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, Republicanism, Justice, Equality, and Fraternity, emphasizing the armed forces’ role in their protection.

Colonel Vijaya Kumar explained that India’s national aims are focused on comprehensive development and creating a secure internal and external environment that allows for inclusive socio-economic progress. He outlined the critical national interests, which involve preserving sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, maintaining the nation’s democratic, secular, and federal character, and safeguarding India’s strategic, political, economic, and military goals.

Discussing national security, Colonel Vijaya Kumar noted that it involves the protection and promotion of national interests against both external and internal threats. He identified the key national security objectives, including maintaining a credible deterrent capability, ensuring the defence of national territory, airspace, maritime zones, and cyber-space, and fostering a secure internal environment. He also stressed the importance of expanding constructive engagement with other nations to promote regional and global peace.

A significant portion of Colonel Vijaya Kumar’s address focused on the National Military Objectives (NMOs), which he detailed as preventing war through strategic and conventional deterrence, defending territorial integrity, providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, supporting civilian authorities, and participating in international peacekeeping. Of particular importance, he emphasized, is the goal of achieving technological independence by 2035.