Rashtriya Raksha University Starts Essential Musician Course
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Rashtriya Raksha University’s (RRU) School of NCC and Police Martial Music Band (SNPMMB) proudly announces the inauguration of its first-ever Essential Musician Course (EMC) at the RRU Campus. This ground-breaking initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s academic landscape, offering structured training in martial and ceremonial music.
Music has always played a vital role in military and police history. Globally, armies use martial music not only to motivate soldiers but also to showcase discipline and pride during parades. In India, the Beating Retreat ceremony and Republic Day parades are shining examples of how ceremonial music shapes national identity. By launching this course, RRU is filling a gap in structured training that previously relied mostly on informal, in-service learning. This makes the program one of the first academic bridges between cultural heritage and national security.
The EMC formally commenced on August 1, 2025, with a diverse cohort of candidates enrolled from Kerala, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. The course is meticulously designed to provide comprehensive instruction in the intricate art of martial and ceremonial music, a domain previously lacking a dedicated academic pathway in India. This pioneering step by RRU underscores its commitment to fostering specialised skills vital for national security and ceremonial duties.
The participation of students from different states shows how music unites India’s diverse culture. Kerala is known for its rich percussion traditions, Rajasthan for its folk instruments, and West Bengal for its deep classical music roots. By bringing them together in Gandhinagar, the course is building both musical excellence and national integration. In many developed countries, such as the UK and the USA, military music academies exist, but India lacked a formal system, making EMC a turning point in skill development for ceremonial roles.
The inaugural function was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor of RRU, emphasised the importance of such specialized training for the nation’s armed and police forces. He was joined by Director Lt. (Dr.) Gaurav Singh Kushwah, Principal Maj. Ashok Kumar (R), and senior instructors Mr. Renjith G, Mr. Daya Ram Joshi, and Mr. Jai Ram Sharma, all of whom will play crucial roles in shaping the future musicians of India. The event commenced with a welcoming address, followed by an insightful overview of the course curriculum. A compelling video presentation showcasing RRU’s vision and capabilities was also presented, culminating in the distribution of welcome kits to the enthusiastic participants. This course is expected to set a new benchmark for musical training within the security sector, contributing significantly to the professionalism and ceremonial prowess of India’s forces.
The presence of top leadership underscores the seriousness of this initiative. Prof. Patel is a known academician who has represented India at international law forums, while Lt. Dr. Kushwah has been pivotal in developing NCC and police training programs at RRU. Courses like this not only train musicians but also instil discipline, timing, and teamwork—qualities critical for both police and defence units. With senior instructors who carry rich practical experience, the program ensures that participants learn both theory and performance.
During his address, Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel underscored the profound importance of martial music in fostering national unity and preserving cultural identity. He emphasised that this endeavour aligns seamlessly with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision: “भारत का संगीत, विश्व की पहचान बनेगा (India’s music will become the identity of the world).” This course is expected to set a new benchmark for musical training within the security and defence sectors, contributing to the nation’s rich cultural tapestry and enhancing its ceremonial prowess.
Martial music has deep roots in Indian history, from war drums used in ancient kingdoms to bugles and brass bands introduced during colonial times. Today, ceremonial music continues to symbolise pride during national events. By institutionalising it, RRU is ensuring that future generations of police and defence forces carry forward this tradition with professional excellence. The Prime Minister’s vision ties into India’s growing global cultural presence, where yoga, Ayurveda, and classical arts are already recognised worldwide. Music, too, is now being prepared as a soft power tool.
