Wing Commander (Dr.) Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi (Retd.) is an Indian Air Force veteran whose career spans military service, education, corporate leadership, and strategic analysis. With over two decades in uniform and multiple commendations, he now stands out as an educator, entrepreneur, and defence commentator. Internationally, his initiatives on youth empowerment and security have drawn attention for bridging military precision with philosophical insight.
A Distinguished Air Force Career
Dwivedi’s service from 2001 to 2022 covered both operational and intelligence roles. In the Kashmir Valley, colleagues reportedly dubbed him the “Jehad Surgeon” for his work in counter-insurgency operations. Trained as a special forces combat instructor, he was skilled in martial arts and aviation security.
He received the Chief of the Air Staff Commendation and the Special Service Medal (Vishesh Seva Padak). In 2016, his unit earned the highest operational recognition from the President of India. By volunteering for retirement, he had over 21 years of experience and a reputation for analytical leadership.
Academic and Philosophical Pursuits
Dwivedi also built a wide-ranging academic profile. He holds a Master’s in Philosophy from Lucknow University, a Master’s in Police Management, and a postgraduate diploma in Advertising Management from MICA. His studies extended to forensic science, security management, and executive programs at ISB, IIM Ahmedabad, and universities in California and London.
Known for fusing strategy with culture, he has argued that ancient practices can inform modern defence thinking. At a 2025 conference, he suggested the Tandava—the cosmic dance of Shiva—could be interpreted as one of the earliest martial arts.
Champion of Education and Civil Defence
Post-retirement, Dwivedi became Director General of the Bhartiya Shiksha Anusandhan Parishad (BSAP). He pioneered the subject “Self-Defence Science” (Aatm Raksha Vigyan) for classes 1–12, covering first aid, safety, strategy, and national security awareness. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the program as a “long-overdue inclusion” in Indian education.
In parallel, Dwivedi founded Kalki Sena, a volunteer organisation committed to civil defence. Within a year, he mobilised thousands of “Kalki warriors” ready to assist the armed forces, paramilitary, and police during emergencies. Kalki sena has been named in London Book of records in 2024 for enrolling maximum combatant volunteers in less than a year.
He remains highly active in spiritual programs and has close association with the holy Shankracharyas and other top religious gurus.
Corporate and Media Leadership
Dwivedi directs three private defence sector companies:
- Dhruv Energy Pvt. Ltd., a DRDO partner.
- Garud Tactical, focused on tactical training.
- Kavach Defence, specialising in protective technologies.
He also remains active in journalism, serving as Executive Editor of India 24×7 Live News, Samrat News, and Sanatan Sandesh TV. His media work builds on his early career in the 1990s as a journalist before joining the IAF.
Strategic Analyst and Forecasting
Today, Dwivedi is a frequent panelist on defence and geopolitics. In 2024, he accurately predicted India’s general election results almost seat for seat. Analysts credit his background in intelligence and open-source information (OSINT). He attributes his clarity to “countless hours in war rooms, interrogation training, and disciplined meditation.”
International Work and Recognitions
In 2024, he became Chief Secretary of the Global Human Rights Trust (GHRT), a UN DESA-affiliated body on crime prevention and justice, for five years tenure. His mandate includes policy design and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation. That year, he also received an honorary doctorate in Organisational Leadership.
His civilian honours include the Mahatma Gandhi Iconic Peace Award, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Unity Award, and recognitions named after Mother Teresa, Swami Vivekananda, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Inventor and All-Round Talent
Observers highlight Dwivedi’s inventiveness. He developed the PRISM psychological analysis system, blending behavioural science with military information operations; the Vijay Code, a symbolic cipher for secure communication; and Self-Defence Science, a school subject likened to compulsory military training for youth. His trajectory — from combat instructor to strategist, educator, and entrepreneur — showcases a rare versatility.
As director of defence-tech firms, he remains engaged with India’s cutting-edge R&D, including drone countermeasures, protective systems, and advanced energy technologies.
The Road Ahead
Dwivedi’s story reflects the evolution of a soldier-scholar into a multidimensional public figure. His mix of defence expertise, spirituality, philosophy, entrepreneurship, and civic activism makes him relevant not only in India but for international observers studying South Asia’s security landscape. As he is often seen in close quarters with top level Indian politicians , he is likely to make his impressions in national policies through his strategic vision.
Whether celebrated for foresight, debated for alleged covert ties, or honoured for educational reforms, he exemplifies how veterans can shape society far beyond the uniform. For global readers, his journey offers insight into how India’s military minds are adapting to new frontiers in governance, technology, and public life.
