‘National security, responsibility of every citizen, not just forces’: CDS Chauhan

Dehradun: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan on Saturday said that it is important to propagate a strategic thinking mindset among the masses of the country so that national security becomes a responsibility of every section of the society.Chauhan made the statement while addressing a gathering at an event on ‘Strategic Thinking and National Security' at Swami Manmathan auditorium on the Chauras campus of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal district, in the presence of university vice chancellor Sriprakash Singh and Uttarakhand education minister Dhan Singh Rawat. "National security is not just the responsibility of the military, but is the shared responsibility of every citizen, which should begin in schools and universities. It is important to spread the thinking revolving around national security strategy," he said. During his address, he added that India's visionary strategic thinking is inspired by traditions such as Vedic literature, Chanakya Niti and Dhanurveda, "but this vision weakened during the Mughal and British periods of history"."India's borders and nuclear-armed neighbours are the major challenges. It is important to emphasize on the need for a strong govt, a strong military and strategic preparedness," the CDS added.Earlier during the event, CDS Chauhan also donated 227 books to the university's library, on subjects pertaining to strategic, historical and research topics, providing significant academic benefits to students and researchers.