In a unique initiative funded through MPLAD funds, Manish Tewari, former Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh, partnered with the think tank ‘Gyan Setu’ to establish a dedicated ‘Fauji Adda’ at Government Post Graduate College Sector 11, one of the oldest academic institutions in the city.
The Gyan Setu think tank comprises senior retired officers from the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, who regularly organise discussions on strategic affairs and national security. The group felt there was a need to pass on the institutional wisdom and experience gained through years of service to the younger generation.
Considering that the Sector 11 college has been offering one of the oldest defence studies courses in the Tricity region since 1982, along with a recently introduced course in defence journalism, the facility has been designed to expose students to career opportunities in the armed forces as well as subjects related to international relations, strategic affairs and national security.
The ‘Fauji Adda’ will also serve as a collaborative space where students can interact with experts, access academic resources, hold discussions, record podcasts and undertake activities aimed at promoting interest in defence and strategic studies among the youth.
While inaugurating the facility, Tewari said the world was currently witnessing an extremely fluid and volatile global situation.
“We are living in a world where the old order built after World War II has collapsed, while a new order is yet to emerge. It requires the collective strength of India as a nation to navigate these challenging times over the coming decade,” he said.
Among those present at the inauguration were Lt Gen KJ Singh, Chandigarh Congress President HS Lucky, Lt Gen Satinder Saini, Maj Gen Manmohan Singh, Maj Gen JS Nanda, Brig HS Chahal, Col Kulbir Singh, Col Amit Vig, along with the college principal and faculty members.
The organisers said similar ‘Fauji Adda’ centres would be replicated across other academic institutions in the city.
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