In a poignant tribute to the late General Bipin Rawat, the Pune International Centre (PIC) organized a memorial seminar on December 18-19, 2023, marking the second anniversary of his passing. The event, held at Hotel Pride, Pune, was a part of the ‘Neighbourhood Vishwamitra’ series and aimed to foster stronger ties among South Asian countries.
Themed ‘Neighbourhood Vishwamitra: The Way Forward,’ the seminar provided a platform for in-depth discussions on issues, challenges, and collaborative efforts to enhance relations in the region. Jointly organized by the Headquarters Southern Command and PIC, the event brought together experts and thought leaders to deliberate on the intricate web of India’s neighbourhood relations.
Tarini Rawat, the daughter of Late Gen Bipin Rawat, graced the occasion, adding a personal touch to the memorial event. Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, Army Commander Southern Command, paid heartfelt tributes in his opening address, emphasizing India’s role as a trustworthy friend and the strong social and economic bonds shared with neighbouring countries.
Ambassador Gautam Bambawale, Trustee of PIC, shed light on the cross-spectrum of cooperation and occasional friction points within the region. Geopolitical shifts, economic collaboration, and security concerns were highlighted as contributors to the complex dynamics of India’s neighbourhood relations.
Eminent speakers, including Lt Gen Pawan Pande (Retd) from Nepal, Rear Admiral ASMA Awal (Retd) from Bangladesh, and Col Nalin Herath from Sri Lanka, provided insights into South Asian issues, challenges, and opportunities. The seminar drew attendance from academicians, scholars, and luminaries across various fields.
Ambassador Vijay Kelkar, Former Foreign Secretary and Trustee of PIC, delivered the concluding remarks, summarizing the enriching discussions that unfolded during the seminar. The event concluded with Lt Gen Manjit Kumar, Chief of Staff, Southern Command, and Lt Gen Shammi Mehta (Retired) presenting mementos to Tarini Rawat, symbolizing gratitude and remembrance.
