The VIF, the Policy Perspectives Foundation (PPF) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organised the workshop when a number of leading experts from across the country came together to deliberate on topics such as earthquake risk reduction, safety of the built environment, earthquake response, earthquake mitigation, and public-private partnership in promoting earthquake preparedness. Minister of State for Urban Development Shri Hardeep Puri delivered a Special Address at the workshop.

Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM (Bar), VSM (Bar), former General Officer Commanding of Srinagar based 15 Corps and former Military Secretary was invited to disseminate his knowledge on Jammu and Kashmir in the March edition of the Vimarsha lecture series held at the VIF. A highly decorated and experienced officer of the Indian Army, Lt Gen Hasnain enjoys great popularity in the Indian media for his knowledge of the mind and strategy of terrorist groups.

... ensuring peace, safety and security of its people and properties and upholding the rule of law is one of the most important responsibilities of the state ... this makes internal security a complex phenomenon in India’s comprehensive national security ... analyses of the recent trend in budgetary allocations and its utility in the evolving internal security threat matrix of the 21st century is necessary ...

.. An alternate narrative needs to be created in universities and colleges of J&K to counter lies peddled by cross-border actors. Think-tanks, research forums, youth forums or inter-faith dialogue bodies and cultural interaction clubs can be created to challenge dominant narratives of Jihad and the hypocrisy of radical Islamists .. the option of a sub-conventional/hybrid war should be explored .. (because) India’s strong and aggressive force-posture .. (and) response plays an important role in clearing the smokescreens of confusion in a Kashmiri mind ..