Purnoor, Chandigarh April 18, 2019
The Department
of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh organised
a special lecture on the theme “Understanding Future Warfare” by Lt. Gen. P. J.
S. Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Deputy Chief Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine,
Organisation and Training) on 18 th April 2019 in the department premises.
Dr. Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson, Department
Defence and National Security Studies, introduced the theme as well as the
speaker to the audience. He also highlighted the fact that the theme of the
seminar is an official part of the curriculum of the master’s programme in the
department.
The
lecture was presided over by Sh. R. K. Kaushik, Secretary Power and Divisional Commissioner,
Roopnagar, Government of Punjab. The proceedings of the lecture were initiated
by Sh. R. K. Kaushik. He said that the history of war is is as old as that of
society. In the previous century, the world witnessed two world wars which were
one of the most devastating wars ever. As a result of the Second World War, a
lot of countries gained independence. Our nation India was one of them. Since
Independence, India intended to remain a peace-loving
country. But within a few months, war was forced on India in the form of the
Pakistani invasion of Kashmir followed by their capture of large portion of
Indian territory in J&K. In 1962, our northern neighbour China attacked
us and once again India was involved in war. Keeping these instances in mind
and the fact that we are surrounded by perennial enemies, we must always remain
prepared as far as national security is concerned.
Explaining
Future Warfare, Gen. Pannu spoke about how human beings have been the most dangerous
species to ever exist on this planet. In order to understand the nature of war,
we must first understand the nature of human beings. In the course of their
evolution, Human
Beings have become involved in a conflict against
nature and in the recent times humans are trying to outsource this conflict via
employment of machines. Quoting Kautilya, he explained how the world is slowly
shifting from the age of Prakasha Yuddha (Open War) to the age of
Kuta Yuddha (Deception War), Tusnim Yuddha (Silent /
Cyber War), Mantra Yuddha (Information War) and Gudha Yuddha (Irregular and
Concealed War). With its present rate of its growth, the human population would
in the future start exceeding the planet’s capacity for sustaining life. Now we
have become a consumerist society.
Talking
about the evolution of warfare, Gen Pannu explained the geopolitical importance
of the main island of the world and also tried to establish the link between
the various industrial revolutions and generations of warfare. He suggested
that because at the time of
Independence the strength of the Indian Army was around
2.2 million soldiers, which would have easily made India a military power.
However, the then world powers, engaged in the Great Game, divided India to
prevent this.
He said that just like Germany tried to gain control
over this heartland during the world war two, in the present day, China, which
is a peripheral country has started making inroads in this region and the tool
they are using is trade and soft power influence of their economy. In this
backdrop, any nation that fails to understand Fourth Generation Warfare will
get defeated in case of war.
While
highlighting the transition from Sensing to Sense Making, he said that first,
computing changed the speed and complexity with which we could process
information. Then, communication broadened our access in both time and space
and connected us globally. In this decade, sensing devices are having the most
profound effect as they bring information,
awareness and responsiveness to the objects, places and
people around us. The next wave of technology will be all about sense making –
the ability to make sense out of the enormous amount of information and sensory
signs all around us. Lt Gen K. J. Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair and State
Information Commissioner,Haryana also highlighted the necessity for our
security forces as well as civilians to developan understanding of the future
of warfare.
The
lecture was attended by members of Gyan Setu Think-tank, various faculty
members, serving and retired armed forces officers pursuing various courses in
the department, research scholars and students. The lecture was followed by a
questions and answers session with the audience.
