IIM Rohtak Hosts Insightful Session on Armed Forces’ Role in Nation-Building
Rohtak, Haryana: The Indian Institute of Management Rohtak had the privilege of hosting Major General Sumit Rana, General Officer Commanding, Paschim Uttar Pradesh Sub Area, for a riveting session on “The Role of Armed Forces in Nation Building”. The session exemplified several instances to depict the unwavering commitment and readiness of the Indian Armed Forces. The contribution of the Indian Armed Forces is multifaceted, and it is committed to achieving national welfare and unity. Approximately 300 students, Deans, and esteemed faculty members of IIM Rohtak attended the session.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak. Professor Sharma illustrated the role of the military in building a cohesive and resilient nation. He highlighted the value of celebrating national heroes and role models who have laid the foundations of India’s unity and progress. While giving reference to his own experience of interacting with influential Army Generals, Professor Sharma discussed the courage, valour, leadership qualities, sacrifices, and patriotism, of the Indian Armed forces.
Major General Sumit Rana, in his address, reflected on the Indian Army’s essential role in shaping India’s modern destiny. He narrated historic battles fought and led by the Indian Armed Forces. He pointed out, that it is not just victory in warfare but affirmations of India’s commitment to sovereignty, justice, and humanitarian values. Major General Rana highlighted the Army’s pivotal role in nation-building beyond combat, through impactful initiatives in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, disaster and distress management and environmental stewardship. From organizing medical and veterinary camps in remote areas to supporting community welfare and local livelihoods, the Army’s outreach is vast. He cited how various educational programs and initiatives designed by the Armed Forces for affected children in Manipur and Kashmir camps have helped these children to clear exams like NEET/JEE. He further highlighted how the National Cadet Corps program instilled discipline and patriotism amongst the youth. On the environmental front, he detailed out efforts such as afforestation, water conservation, and specialized Ecological Task Forces, including the Ganga Task Force in high-altitude regions. He underlined the Army’s role as first responders in crises, from Operation Cactus in 1988 to recent evacuations during the Ukraine war. As an essential component of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Army incubated over 3000 defence startups since 2017, collaborating with IITs, DRDO, and private enterprises, projected to contribute over Rs. 25,000 crores to India’s economy.
Major General further highlighted the mantra of life as D2C2 grid, where the two Ds reflect Dream and Discipline combined with Conviction and Commitment which is a core reflection of the values adopted by our Armed Forces. He stated that as the nation aspires to be a global superpower the Armed Forces are the last bastion and will deliver whenever called upon.
Prof. Sharma during the vote of thanks reinforced his message on the self-discipline being inflicted by the army in civilian society. The army bridges the gap between ideal self and actual self. While quoting Robert Frost, Prof. Sharma said that the army has relentlessly proven the ability to listen to almost anything without losing composure or self-confidence. Citing insights from the session, he urged the young generation to learn from the armed forces.
IIM Rohtak, an Institute of National Importance, currently enrols over 1800 students and is AMBA accredited, placing it among the top 2 percent of global management schools. The Institute is ranked 12th in the NIRF India Rankings 2024 and has secured a 151+ QS World University Ranking, reflecting its growing stature in academic and policy excellence.
