Gurugram, Haryana: Commemorating the life and legacy of Late Maj Maroof Raza (Retd.), one of India’s most respected experts on defence and strategic affairs, IIRIS Consulting on June 24 announced the launch of the Maroof Raza Centre for Security Studies (MRCSS), a dedicated platform created to advance informed dialogue, research, and engagement on national security, geopolitics, and emerging strategic issues.
Maj Maroof Raza (1959–2026) spent decades shaping informed conversations around security, preparedness, and national interest, first as an officer in the Indian Army and later as a commentator, author, educator, and strategic advisor. Through his work, he encouraged a deeper understanding of India’s security challenges and the strategic thinking required to address them.
Remembering him, Anees Raza, wife of Maj Maroof Raza, said, “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. A true officer and gentleman, who inspired respect by the values he lived by.”
Commenting on the launch of the Centre, Garry Singh, President, IIRIS Consulting, said, “Maroof Raza Sahab believed that informed strategic thinking was essential not only for governments and security institutions, but for society as a whole. 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.”
The Centre has been established to carry forward the principles that defined Maj Raza’s work—intellectual rigour, strategic clarity, informed discourse, and an unwavering commitment to India’s security interests. It aims to create a collaborative platform bringing together policymakers, defence leaders, academics, industry professionals, students, and researchers to engage with issues that will shape India’s strategic future.
As part of its activities, MRCSS will promote research, thought leadership, academic engagement, institutional collaborations, scholarships, and youth-focused initiatives designed to deepen understanding of security and geopolitical affairs. The Centre will also invest in nurturing the next generation of strategic thinkers through the IIRIS Scholarships Programme, including a flagship commitment to sponsor one PhD scholar annually whose research reflects the purpose and rigour that characterised Maj Raza’s life’s work.
A key pillar of the Centre will be the Maroof Raza Memorial Annual Dialogue, a flagship platform that will bring together leading voices from government, defence, academia, business, and public policy to discuss national security, geopolitical developments, strategic risks, and emerging challenges. The dialogue will serve as a living tribute to Maj Raza’s lifelong commitment to meaningful and informed public discourse.
In addition, the Centre will support PhD scholars, encourage essay-writing initiatives at colleges and universities, and undertake a range of educational and outreach activities focused on security and strategic affairs.
The establishment of the Maroof Raza Centre for Security Studies marks the beginning of a long-term effort to strengthen strategic awareness, encourage informed discussions, and contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving security environment.
IIRIS Consulting is a strategic advisory and risk consulting firm that works with governments, institutions, and enterprises across sectors to navigate complex challenges in security, resilience, reputation, and public affairs. Through research, advisory services, and stakeholder engagement, IIRIS Consulting supports informed decision-making and long-term strategic planning in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
