Pt. Prithi Nath (PG) College, Kanpur

When India became independent in 1947, the developing country encountered several security issues, such as hostilities with its neighbours and continuous conflicts in the region. To allay these worries, the Indian government strengthened its national security apparatus in a number of ways, including by strengthening defence education in the country to train a new generation of experts in national security, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect the country’s borders and safeguard its people. Moving on this path the ‘Department of Defence and Strategic Studies’ was established in the year 1959 under the name of the “Department of Military Studies” by Major (Dr.) S.K. Pradhan, a guest faculty, for providing graduate-level education to the students. In 1962, Dr. Yogendra Kumar Sharma took charge as a permanent teacher. Seeing his work efficiency, he was appointed as the captain of NCC in the same session.

Shri Ram Lal Nigam and Dr. R.N. Baijal joined the department as lecturers in 1971. Elevating the dignity of the department with their consistent efforts, post- graduate classes were started in 1979. In 1983, Dr. Indrajeet Singh took over as lecturer and in 1986, Dr. Baijal got transferred to Feroze Gandhi College, Raebareli. Under the chairmanship of Dr. Sharma, in 1999, Dr. D.C. Katiyar took over as a lecturer selected from the Higher Education Service Commission (U.P.).

Dr. Indrajeet Singh took over as the head of the department after the retirement of Dr. Sharma. In the year 2003, under the chairmanship of Dr. Indrajeet Singh, Dr. Ajai Kumar Singh took charge as a lecturer selected by the Higher Education Service Commission (U.P.).

PROF. (Dr.) (MAJOR) INDRAJEET SINGH was appointed as an NCC officer by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India to impart NCC training to college students. He held significant positions discharging responsibilities of chief proctor, coordinator of the building committee, environmental protectionist, scrap committee and dean, student welfare etc. Dr. Singh presented a minor research project titled “Measurement of interest for military service among students studying in graduation classes”. Moreover, his contribution to the upliftment of the department is crucial. Dr. Singh retired on June 30, 2022.

PROF. (Dr.) DEVESH CHANDRA KATIYAR is the current head of the department. Program Officer of the National Service Scheme from session 2012-2015, Convener, of the Ragging Committee and a member of the Discipline Committee, has made his invaluable contribution to maintaining discipline in the college. At present, he has discharged the duties of IQAC as a member. Convener BA First Year Admission Committee, Convener Scholarship Cell, President/General Secretary Teachers Association, Joint Secretary Kuta and Joint Secretary FUPUCTA, along with the Chief Proctor in the session 2020-21, has also discharged the responsibilities of the Disciplinary Committee with full devotion and efficiency. Additionally, Dr. Katiyar has published 19 research papers and written two books titled “Yuddh Ki Sam-Samyik Samasyaein” and “Conceptual Aspects of National Security”. Also, he presented a minor research project titled “An Analysis of Indian Public Opinion on Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism” in 2010. In an effort to upgrade his pedagogical knowledge according to UGC rules and regulations, Dr. Katiyar has attended three refresher course programs and one orientation program at state and central universities.

PROF. (Dr.) AJAI KUMAR SINGH is the current Nodal Officer in the Tobacco Prohibition Cell and coordinator of the Medical Cell. He has discharged the responsibilities of Program Officer in the National Service Scheme Unit from 2018 to 2021 with full dedication and efficiency. Dr. Singh has published 25 research papers and has attended two refresher courses and one orientation program. A book titled “Bhartiya Sainya Itihas” has been published by him for filling the language gap in Indian military history.

Research Cell

A research cell has been established in the department dedicated to the continuous upgradation of higher education, in which research scholars are pursuing their research work in different subtopics of the subject. Many students of the department have passed the national level NET / JRF examination conducted by UGC in the past years and 13 scholars have received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and at present four scholars are engaged in research. Many students find benefits in it. The departmental library has a rich collection of premier defence books, journals and magazines.

The Department of Defence and Strategic Studies is dedicated to advancing higher education with the goal of preparing its students to serve the country by helping them excel both as people and as scholars. By offering top-notch services in a variety of sectors, many departmental students are raising the department’s and the college’s prestige.

Vision:

1. To prepare the next generation of leaders in the field of Defence and Strategic Studies who are well-equipped to address emerging security challenges across all domains.
2. To train graduates who are critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and skilled practitioners capable of developing and implementing effective security strategies in an ever-changing global security
3. To include a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its programs and activities.