The Territorial Army (TA) is set to organise a two-day public outreach seminar, ‘Know Your Territorial Army’, at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in New Alipore, Kolkata, on August 27–28, with a focus on strengthening engagement between the citizen-soldier force and India’s youth, academia, industry and technology ecosystem.
The initiative is aimed at highlighting the evolving role of the Territorial Army in nation-building while providing a platform for interaction between serving personnel and representatives from industry, educational institutions, startups, civil society and environmental organisations.
The Territorial Army, which follows the distinctive citizen-soldier model, enables individuals to contribute to national service while continuing their civilian professional careers. The seminar will seek to showcase how expertise from diverse professional domains can complement military capabilities and contribute to broader national-security objectives.
The two-day programme will centre on five key themes: Army-industry partnerships; next-generation technologies and startups; national security through collaboration; environmental conservation; and public awareness and youth outreach.
The first day will examine the Territorial Army’s expanding role in nation-building beyond conventional military operations. A key session, titled ‘Towards Multidimensional Resilience – From Borders to Bytes’, will explore emerging challenges across the physical, technological and cyber domains.
The programme will also feature exhibitions and interactive stalls showcasing the Territorial Army, cultural and ethnic initiatives and industry capabilities. Other highlights include the screening of the ‘Know Your Territorial Army’ film, signing of MoUs and MoAs, panel discussions and a motivational evening.
The second day will focus on ecological conservation, sustainability, innovation, recruitment and the integration of civilian expertise into military capabilities. A keynote address on ‘Vision/Crystal Gazing on Future of TA’ is scheduled to be delivered by Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, AVSM, VSM (Retd).
Panel discussions on ‘Eco Conservation & Sustainability’ and ‘Civilian Expertise to Military Capabilities: Unlocking India’s National Talent Pool’ will examine the role of the Territorial Army in environmental restoration and the potential of India’s civilian talent pool to contribute to defence preparedness.
The seminar will also highlight the work of the Territorial Army’s Ecological Task Force, including efforts in afforestation, restoration of degraded ecosystems and environmental sustainability.
According to the organisers, the initiative is intended to foster a stronger connection between the Armed Forces and society by demonstrating how citizens from diverse professional backgrounds can contribute to national service.
The event is expected to bring together students, academics, entrepreneurs, technology startups, corporate leaders, environmentalists and civil-society representatives, offering participants an opportunity to engage directly with serving Territorial Army personnel and gain greater insight into the force’s operational and nation-building roles.
The seminar will be open to citizens, subject to venue capacity and security requirements.
