
Emerge as Scholar Warriors
Respected,
Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Commandant, National Defence Academy, Air Vice Marshal Rajesh Varma, Vayu Sena Medal, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, Dr. Vinay Deep, Principal.
Respected members of the Academic Committee, Distinguished Faculty, Honoured guests, Proud parents, and my dear graduating cadets.
It is both a privilege and a deeply meaningful moment for me to stand before you today at the National Defence Academy for a Convocation Ceremony of this 150th Course.
Convocation, anywhere, is a milestone. But here, it carries a deeper significance. It is not merely the award of a degree—it is the recognition of a commitment to serve a higher purpose.
Today, as you receive your prestigious degrees, you stand at the threshold of becoming custodians of a sacred national trust.
Having served in the Indian Police Service, I have lived the life of uniform for nearly four Decades. I have experienced what it means when citizens look at you see —not just as an individual—but as the State itself.
Let me say this to you with absolute clarity:
The Uniform you will wear is National Pride.
It is Authority—but more Importantly, it is Responsibility.
It is power—it is a shield of protection.
Across my years in service, I saw how deeply people trust those in uniform—often without question, often in their most vulnerable moments. That trust is not automatic—it is reinforced daily, through Fairness, Integrity, Courage and Belief.
Never to be lost.
My Dear Cadets,
What you have achieved here is already extraordinary. Balancing Rigorous Military Training with demanding academic pursuits which require Focus, Discipline, Resilience and Hunger.
You have spent Wee hours of the mornings, in vigorous drills demanding limitless Endurance, Intellectual Rigour—this has shaped you into scholar-warriors.
But more importantly, you have learned to create, strategies, to lead and follow. These qualities will define you far more than any recognitions and ranks which shall follow.
The world you are stepping into is Volatile, Uncertain, Ambiguous and ever Evolving.
Wars are no longer being fought on physical borders. They are fought in:
– Cyber Domains
– Information Spaces, Land, Air and Water—Even in Strategic decision rooms
Your training has prepared you not just to engage—but to Envision, Anticipate, Prevent and Act.
In Uniformed Service—whether in the Armed Forces or the Police—everything rests on one foundation:
It’s about Integrity and valour, in word and deed.
Your men and women will not just follow your orders—they will watch you.
They will see:
– How you Serve Under Pressure
– How Professionally you Act
– How Authentically you Decide
Because Leadership is not what you say—it is what you consistently do.
Leadership is taking Responsibility, Never Excuses.
Leadership is being just, even when it is difficult in most trying circumstances.
Leadership is Country First.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, during the 1971 war, prioritised preparation over pressure, and said,
“I guarantee you victory—Madam Prime Minister, but only if you give me time to prepare.”
Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa reminded us:
The nation first. The men you command next. Yourself last.
A Word to the Families
To the Parents and Families present here today—
You have given the nation your dearest parts of your life. Your trust, your patience, and your sacrifices will stand behind every son and daughter of yours.
My young officers, protectors of BHARAT
As you step forward from this Academy:
– Wear your Uniform with Gratitude,
– Exercise Authority with Sense of Inclusiveness,
– Lead with Courage
– Decide with Integrity
Remember the nation trusts you before it knows you
I thank the National Defence Academy for inviting me to this Historical 150th Convocation Ceremony. You shall all be at key positions in 2047. when India Celebrates its 100 years of Independence.
You are blessed to be part of Viksit Bharat.
This Convocation marks a Beginning for you to Prepare, Lead and Celebrate as Trusted Guardians of the Nation, Protector of its People, and Bearer of its Honour.
Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.