Published on: September 16, 2026
New Delhi: In a significant addition to its senior management, the Bhartiya Shiksha Board Society has appointed Wing Commander (Dr.) Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi (Retd.) as a Distinguished Member (Vishisht Sadasya) of its top management body. The appointment was approved by the Society’s Managing Committee at its meeting held on September 12.
The induction brings a decorated former Indian Air Force officer with experience spanning defence, strategic affairs, intelligence , Geopolitics, training & education, disaster management, research and public engagement into the senior leadership framework of the Bhartiya Shiksha Board. The move is also significant in view of Dr. Dwivedi’s work in developing a whole new school subject – Self Defence Science (Aatmaraksha Vigyan) and initiatives aimed at promoting preparedness, discipline, resilience and holistic development among students.
Wing Commander Dr. Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi is regarded as a multidimensional public figure, with contributions across diverse fields including journalism, education, innovation, defence production, philanthropy and social service. He has also developed a profile as a geopolitical strategist and defence commentator, and is a familiar face on television debates where he participates as a defence analyst, offering perspectives on national security, international affairs and geopolitical developments. His varied professional engagements have placed him at the intersection of defence, public policy, education and strategic affairs.
Wing Commander Dwivedi is also a proud recipient of the rare honour of the President’s Colours, conferred upon his unit in 2016 by the then President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, in recognition of its distinguished record in specialised air operations along and across the India–Pakistan borders.
From the Indian Air Force to education and research
Wing Commander Dr. Dwivedi is a decorated former Indian Air Force officer whose professional journey has subsequently expanded into strategic affairs, education, research and youth development. He currently serves as Director General of the Bhartiya Shiksha Anusandhan Parishad (BSAP), where he has been associated with educational research and curriculum-related initiatives.
One of the prominent initiatives associated with him is Self Defence Science, or Aatmaraksha Vigyan, which seeks to bring self-defence and personal safety into a structured educational framework.
The approach goes beyond conventional physical training, incorporating awareness, preparedness, discipline, resilience and responsible decision-making. His work in this field has led to him being referred to by his associates as the “Father of Self Defence Science.”
Focus on holistic development
The appointment comes at a time when the role of education is increasingly being viewed as extending beyond academic achievement. Leadership, resilience, physical preparedness, critical thinking, personal safety and social responsibility are becoming important components of holistic student development.
The Bhartiya Shiksha Board which has been formed by Government Of India , has sought to promote an education framework combining Indian knowledge systems and cultural heritage with contemporary learning requirements. Its broader approach corresponds with the emphasis of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on holistic, multidisciplinary and skill-oriented education.
Dr. Dwivedi’s experience in the armed forces, coupled with his subsequent work in education, research and strategic affairs, could provide an additional perspective to these objectives.
Defence experience meets educational leadership
Dr. Dwivedi has remained engaged with strategic and geopolitical issues following his military career.
His association with innovation and defence production has further broadened his professional engagement beyond conventional military and academic domains. His work across different sectors reflects an approach that connects national security, technological innovation, education and social responsibility.
His induction into the Bhartiya Shiksha Board’s senior management therefore brings together experience from defence and education—two areas increasingly connected by the need to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world.
Following his appointment, Dr. Dwivedi expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Bhartiya Shiksha Board for entrusting him with the new responsibility. He acknowledged the guidance and contribution of the Board’s senior leadership, including Chairman Dr. N. P. Singh (IAS), Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna.
He described the appointment as a responsibility to contribute to the transformation of Indian education.
A new responsibility in nation-building
Dr. Dwivedi’s induction as a Distinguished Member places his experience in defence, strategic affairs, education and public engagement within the institutional framework of the Bhartiya Shiksha Board.
His association is particularly relevant to initiatives seeking to develop students who are academically capable while also being disciplined, confident, resilient and prepared to deal with real-world challenges.
The appointment thus marks a new phase in Dr. Dwivedi’s professional journey—from serving the country in uniform to contributing to nation-building through education, research, innovation, strategic thought and youth development.
