Samvit Kendra hosts seminar on ‘Internal Security: New Challenges’; releases three books on national security
Hyderabad: Samvit Kendra organised a seminar on “Internal Security: New Challenges” in Hyderabad on 21st June 2026, bringing together defence experts, intellectuals, academicians and members of civil society to deliberate on the evolving internal security challenges confronting the nation.
The seminar was attended by Air Vice Marshal Rama Mohan S. M. (Retd.), who graced the event as the Chief Guest. Sri J. Nandakumar, Prajna Pravaah Akhil Bharatiya Samyojak, delivered the keynote address, while Dr Rahul Shastri, President of Samvit Kendra, also addressed the gathering.
A key highlight of the programme was the release of three books on national security. The books released were 1. Red Religion, 2.The Narco Siege of Bharat: A Research Compendium, and the Telugu book 3. Vaamapaksha Visha Vruksham – (Telugu )
Addressing the seminar, Air Vice Marshal Rama Mohan S. M. (Retd.) said that security must be viewed and analysed at three interconnected levels—the State, society, and the individual. He emphasised that all three levels are equally important and must remain strong to ensure comprehensive national security.
He observed that safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is the foremost responsibility of the State. While external enemies can be confronted and defeated at the nation’s frontiers, he stressed that internal weaknesses pose an equally serious challenge and therefore require constant attention.
Speaking on internal security, he said that a strong and resilient society forms the foundation of a secure nation. “Internal security begins with the individual,” he remarked, adding that physically, mentally and morally strong citizens contribute to building a robust society capable of resisting both internal and external threats.
Air Vice Marshal Rama Mohan noted that the nation’s core strength comes from within its society. A united and vigilant society, he said, is essential for preserving national stability and effectively dealing with emerging security challenges.
Referring to conventional and emerging internal security threats, he listed rebellion, communism, corruption, governance-related issues, cyber threats and the growing narco menace as major concerns confronting the country. He said these challenges have evolved significantly in recent years and require coordinated responses from the State, society and individual citizens. He urged participants to recognise emerging threats at an early stage and respond proactively to safeguard the nation’s security and social cohesion.
In his address, Dr Rahul Shastri said that India’s Vedic scriptures have long recognised the various threats confronting society and have also provided philosophical and practical approaches.
Delivering the keynote address, J. Nandakumar, Akhil Bharatiya Samyojak of Prajna Pravaah, said that Bharat’s civilisational wisdom has long recognised the importance of both internal and external security. Referring to Kautilya, he described him as one of the world’s foremost security strategists on national security and statecraft, whose principles remain relevant in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
Quoting Kautilya’s Mandala Theory, Nandakumar said neighbouring countries can often become potential adversaries, while the neighbour’s neighbour can emerge as a strategic partner. He said India’s present foreign policy reflects this principle by strengthening ties with countries that help counter regional security challenges posed by hostile powers.
He said Kautilya regarded Praja (the people) as the foundation of the State, stressing that the strength of a nation ultimately depends on the strength, awareness and unity of its society. National security, he said, cannot be ensured by the armed forces and the government alone, but requires an alert and responsible society.
He identified social inequality, discrimination, lack of social harmony, economic disparities and the erosion of moral values as major internal vulnerabilities that hostile forces seek to exploit. Addressing these issues, he said, is essential for strengthening India’s internal security.
Speaking on ideological threats, Nandakumar described communism as a failed ideology, but cautioned that its influence continues in newer forms. He criticised what he termed Cultural Marxism, arguing that while communist ideology traditionally rejects culture and religion, its proponents increasingly invoke cultural narratives to reshape social discourse and influence institutions.
Nandakumar expressed concern over religious extremism, tracing the evolution of organisations from SIMI to PFI, and alleged that even after the ban on such organisations, their networks often reappear under different names and organisational structures. He said such regrouping continues to pose challenges to national security and social harmony.
Speaking on threat of Maoists, Nandakumar said that while security operations have weakened the armed Maoist movement in India, the ideology continues to seek influence through academic institutions, civil society organisations and other intellectual spaces.
Recalling the recent surrender of Maoists in Bastar, he said some of those who laid down arms had indicated that they were surrendering only their material weapons, suggesting that the ideological struggle would continue. He cautioned that this reflects attempts to shift from armed insurgency to ideological penetration of urban spaces, including universities and other institutions, and stressed the need for society to remain vigilant against such evolving strategies.
Nandakumar also mentioned the increasing threats from Cultural Marxist forces and quoted Yuri Bezmenov on the methods of creating chaos in societies. He exhorted people to be ever vigilant as Marxist forces change tactics and create chaos, and gradually people begin to normalise and accept the Marxist narratives.
Samvit Kendra Director P. Shailaja introduced the organisation, highlighting its objectives, research initiatives, publication activities and the books it has published on issues of national importance. She elaborated that Samvit Prakashan produced books on the socio-cultural histories of Bharat, history of colonial period, and also published several books on the internal security threats including Islam, Christianity and communism. She gave several examples of the books published to introduce them to the varied audience. She mentioned that the heavily researched books only present facts and figures, without any moral judgment.
On the occasion, the authors and publications were introduced to the audience. A message from Pradeep Srivastava, author of ‘Red Religion’, was read out by Ashok Sharma from CSHD, Raipur. A video message by the celebrated author of ‘vishayila vampanth’ Dr Rajeev Mishra was played out where he congratulated Samvit Prakashan on the Telugu translation ‘vamapaksha vishavruksham’ and cautioned people on communism spreading its tentacles. The book examines how communist ideology has penetrated various sections of society and discusses its ideological and societal impact.
The book ‘The Narco Siege of Bharat: A Research Compendium’, a research compilation by Krishna Prasad, was introduced by Prabodh, who explained its findings and the growing nexus between narcotics and national security.
Krishna Prasad of Samvit Kendra and Adv Ashok Sharma of CSHD, Raipur were felicitated on the occasion.
