USI in partnership with CSC-e-Governance and PCTI to promote military heritage tourism

New Delhi: The United Services Institution of India (USI), the country’s oldest and most prestigious National Security and Defence Services think tank, will collaborate with CSC-e-Governance and PCTI to explore, develop, and provide guided tours for military heritage tourism in the country. The programme will be off with a visit to Hussainiwala in Punjab, which will begin on August 12 from Delhi.

To achieve this goal, USI, PCTI, and CSC-e-Governance Services India Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement states that USI will identify and record prospective tourism attractions. PCTI will organise the trips, while CSC-SPV will offer local assistance via its Common Service Centres.

Major General (Retd) Bal Krishna Sharma, Director General, USI, gave this information. “A large segment of domestic and foreign tourists want to understand and take pride in the country’s military achievements and historical events (wars, etc.),” he says. Our military legacy tourism will appeal to both local and foreign visitors interested in history, military affairs, and cultural heritage. Furthermore, it will attract ex-servicemen and their families who have an emotional affinity to these locations.”

“The military heritage sites provide an opportunity for tourists to explore the military history of the country, learn about important battles and wars, and witness architectural marvels of the past,” says Mr. Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Managing Director, CSC-SPV. The nation has a rich and diverse military history, with different kings and empires leaving behind a plethora of historical structures and artefacts. Additionally, India has various war monuments and museums devoted to remembering the sacrifices of troops and telling their stories.”

Some of the potentially popular military heritage sites in India include Imphal (Manipur), Kohima (Nagaland), Guwahati (Assam), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), some parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Kargil (Ladakh), Pathankot and Ferozepur in the Kartarpur Corridor (Punjab), Longewala in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), Delhi and its surrounding areas, and Mhow (Dr.

According to Major (Retd) Sushil Goyal, Director of PCTI, “These places are still visited by people, but they need to be maintained, and people need to be informed about them.” That is why, in addition to the protection and upkeep of historical sites, strong marketing and promotional techniques are required. It is also vital to provide impartial and factual information about the location, event, and personalities. Furthermore, tourism infrastructure and visitor safety are crucial issues that we prioritise and plan for.”

Hussainiwala in Punjab’s Ferozepur district has been designated as the first circuit, where major engagements took place during the 1965 and 1971 wars. Hussainiwala is a hamlet of historical and tourism significance. The noble sons of the nation and revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev ji were cremated here. A National Martyr’s Memorial honours their sacrifice with a towering tower and a continually blazing flame. Hussainiwala is also the location of the legendary Hussainiwala Border Retreat Ceremony, which takes place every evening. This border retreat symbolises India and Pakistan’s peaceful cohabitation and amicable ties.

The Hussainiwala Barrage, a Sutlej River dam, is another attraction in Hussainiwala. It provides irrigation for the neighbouring agricultural region and is a gorgeous sight for tourists. Furthermore, Hussainiwala is recognised for its tranquil surroundings, making it a great location for people seeking peace and leisure away from the rush and bustle of city life. The community, surrounded by beautiful green fields, allows tourists to experience rural life in Punjab.