Lt Gen Neeraj Varshney, AVSM, VSM, Commandant of the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), delivered the Closing Address to officers of the SO(EME)-145 Course at the Faculty of Emerging Military Technologies (FEMT) on July 10, 2026. Addressing the graduating officers, the senior Army commander highlighted the immense responsibility associated with command and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professional excellence, ethical conduct and selfless service throughout their military careers.
In his address, Lt Gen Varshney described command as not merely a position of authority but a privilege that demands unwavering commitment, accountability and exemplary leadership. He reminded the officers that every decision taken in command has a lasting impact on personnel, operational readiness and the reputation of the Indian Army, making integrity and sound judgement indispensable qualities for every military leader.
The Commandant stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of financial probity, moral courage and professional integrity while discharging command responsibilities. He encouraged the officers to prepare a well-defined roadmap for their future command appointments, continuously upgrade their knowledge through lifelong learning and remain adaptable in an era of rapidly evolving military technologies and operational challenges.
Highlighting the complex nature of modern military leadership, Lt Gen Varshney advised the officers to cultivate sound judgement and decisiveness while dealing with challenging situations. He emphasised that true leadership often requires choosing the “harder right over the easy wrong,” calling upon the officers to remain steadfast in their principles even when faced with difficult decisions.
Drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita’s timeless principle of ‘Nishkam Karma’, Lt Gen Varshney urged the officers to perform their duties with humility, integrity and selfless devotion to the nation without being driven by personal gain. He encouraged them to exercise authority with wisdom and responsibility, ensuring that leadership is rooted in fairness, compassion and accountability.
The senior officer also highlighted the need to strike a balance between technical excellence and administrative responsibilities, particularly for officers of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers who play a critical role in maintaining the operational effectiveness of the Army’s sophisticated equipment and weapon systems. He advised the graduating officers to adopt a long-term perspective, embrace innovation fearlessly and lead by personal example to inspire confidence among the troops under their command.
Emphasising that effective leadership extends beyond technical competence, Lt Gen Varshney reminded the officers that command often demands courage, resilience and the willingness to take difficult decisions rather than seeking easy popularity. He encouraged every officer to develop into a leader worthy of emulation by demonstrating professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment to duty in every assignment.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding academic performance during the course. Lt Col Ankur Tyagi was awarded the prestigious GOC-in-C Army Training Command (ARTRAC) Book Prize after being adjudged the Best Student of the SO(EME)-145 Course, reflecting his exceptional performance and professional excellence during the training programme.
The SO(EME)-145 Course conducted at the Faculty of Emerging Military Technologies is designed to prepare officers of the Corps of EME for higher responsibilities in command and staff appointments. The programme focuses on developing technical expertise, leadership qualities and decision-making abilities required to meet the evolving operational and technological demands of the Indian Army, ensuring that officers are equipped to lead with competence, integrity and vision in future command roles.
