Question : TEACHING OF MILITARY HISTORY IN SCHOOLS

(a) whether no attempts have yet been made to create confidence, enthusiasm, a sense of sacrifice, patriotism, national pride and love for the country among the younger generation and new cadres in the Armed Forces to defend the country;

(b) if so, whether there is any proposal to teach military history of India including major battles fought by national heroes in schools and colleges to create motivation and national pride among the people;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether there is also any proposal to use electronic media to spread the gallantry of the soldiers who fought valiantly during Indo-China War of 1962, Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971 and Kargil Conflict of 1999; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)


(a) Regular and sustained efforts are made to inculcate a sense of patriotism, sacrifice and love for the country in the younger generation and motivate the new entrants into the Armed Forces.

(b) & (c): Ministry of Defence have no such proposal. However, military history of India and major battles fought have been part of school and college curricula.

(d) & (e): The gallantry of our valiant soldiers who fought for the motherland is depicted extensively on the electronic media to instill a sense of patriotism and inspiration amongst Indians. Each and every gallantry award function in Rashtrapati Bhavan and at the Republic Day Parade every year is broadcast on the electronic media. Besides this, the occasions like Kargil Vijay Diwas where the nation pays homage to the soldier who laid down his life fighting the Kargil War unmindful of death, are also aired on the electronic media. From time to time, features are presented on the electronic media on specific stories of heroism of the conflicts of 1962, 1965 and 1971.