Major General (Retired) Harsha Kaka

“I was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in Jun 1979 and superannuated in Mar 2015 as a Major General. I am an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Defence Services Staff College and the College of Defence Management. I hold a MSc in defence studies from Madras University, Master of Management Studies (MMS) from Osmania University and a PGD in HR from IIMM Pune.

• In addition, I have been awarded the National Security Studies Certificate by the Canadian Forces College, Toronto, Canada. During my military service, I held a variety of appointments in every part of the country. I was the head of the department in strategic studies at the College of Defence Management, where I wrote extensively on futuristic planning and enhancing joint operations.

• I also served as part of the United Nations peacekeeping operations in Mozambique. In addition to training courses in India, I attended the National Security Studies Course at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. I am the first officer from India to attend this course.

• Post my superannuation, I have settled in Lucknow where I extensively write for a few newspapers, magazines and online newsletters. I am also a security analyst on multiple TV channels. My articles span a wide spectrum covering international relations, strategic threats (both military and non-military with emphasis on South Asia), defence planning and capacity building, national security and politico-military cooperation.

• I am also a founder member of a Lucknow based think tank, STRIVE (Society for Transformative Research and Veteran Empowerment). I have spoken on both Josh and TEDX platforms.”