IIRIS Consulting launches Maroof Raza Centre for Security Studies
New Delhi, June 10. Gurugram-based IIRIS Consulting on June 10 announced the establishment of the Maroof Raza Centre for Security Studies (MRCSS), a new platform dedicated to promoting research, dialogue and engagement on national security, geopolitics and emerging strategic issues in memory of noted defence analyst and former Army officer Major (Retd.) Maroof Raza.
The Centre has been conceived as a tribute to Maj Raza, who passed away earlier this year after spending decades shaping public discourse on strategic affairs, first as an officer in the Indian Army and later as an author, commentator, educator and advisor on security issues.
Announcing the initiative, IIRIS Consulting said the Centre would seek to carry forward the values that defined Maj Raza’s work, including intellectual rigour, strategic clarity and an unwavering commitment to India’s national security interests.
Remembering her husband, Anees Raza described Maj Raza as a “soldier-scholar” whose life reflected a rare blend of courage and intellect.
“The quintessential soldier-scholar, Maroof embodied the rare union of intellect and valour. A patriot whose life was defined by honour, character and unwavering devotion to his beloved India. His legacy endures through his work for the nation and through the principles of integrity, character and duty that he upheld above all else,” she said.
Garry Singh, President of IIRIS Consulting, said Maj Raza believed informed strategic thinking was essential not only for governments and security institutions but also for society at large.
“Through this Centre, we hope to create a lasting platform that encourages research, dialogue and leadership development on issues that will shape India’s security future,” Singh said.
According to IIRIS Consulting, the Centre will serve as a collaborative forum bringing together policymakers, military leaders, academics, industry experts, students and researchers to examine issues affecting India’s strategic landscape.
The Maroof Raza Centre for Security Studies will undertake research initiatives, promote thought leadership, encourage academic collaborations and support youth-focused programmes aimed at fostering greater awareness of security and geopolitical affairs.
As part of its activities, the Centre will institute the IIRIS Scholarships Programme, including a flagship initiative to sponsor one PhD scholar every year whose research aligns with the objectives and standards that characterised Maj Raza’s work.
A major feature of the initiative will be the annual Maroof Raza Memorial Dialogue, envisioned as a platform bringing together leading voices from government, defence, academia, business and public policy to discuss national security challenges, geopolitical developments and emerging strategic risks.
The Centre also plans to support doctoral scholars, organise essay competitions in colleges and universities and undertake educational outreach activities focused on strategic and security studies.
IIRIS Consulting said the establishment of the Centre marks the beginning of a long-term effort to strengthen strategic awareness and contribute to informed discussions on India’s evolving security environment, while preserving the intellectual legacy of one of the country’s most prominent voices on defence and strategic affairs.
