The 106th Convocation Ceremony of the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), Secunderabad, was held on 17 December 2024, celebrating the academic achievements of the TES-42 and EMEODE-105 courses. The event saw the officers being conferred B.Tech degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) by the Honourable Governor of Telangana, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Governor’s Address: A Call for Nation Building

In his convocation address, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma congratulated the graduating officers and their proud parents for their remarkable achievements. He encouraged the graduates to prioritize “Nation First”, remain at the forefront of technological advancements, and contribute to India’s defense capabilities.

Quoting the Sanskrit poet Bhartrihari, the Governor highlighted the importance of character and habits in shaping not only an individual’s destiny but also the progress of the nation.

Exhibition of Technological Innovations

The ceremony featured an impressive exhibition of innovative projects developed by the graduating officers. The projects showcased advancements in emerging technologies and reflected the graduates’ technical expertise and commitment to the spirit of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense technology.

Key Highlights of the Ceremony

• Officers of TES-42 and EMEODE-105 courses received their B.Tech degrees.
• Graduates displayed cutting-edge innovations that aligned with India’s vision of self-reliance in defense.
• The Governor emphasized continuous learning, integrity, and a nation-first approach in his speech.

MCEME: A Hub of Excellence

The convocation underscored the pivotal role of MCEME in equipping young officers with the knowledge and skills required to tackle modern challenges. It reaffirmed the college’s commitment to fostering technical excellence and leadership in the Armed Forces.

This memorable event not only marked the culmination of rigorous academic training but also inspired the graduates to dedicate themselves to nation-building, leveraging their technical aptitude to bolster India’s defense capabilities.

Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Spear Corps, visited the Special National Integration Camp of the NCC in Wokha, Nagaland.

Promoting National Integration

The 10-day camp, aimed at fostering national integration, is being attended by 494 cadets, including 259 girl cadets. The camp offers a unique blend of activities such as treks, quizzes, and sports competitions, while also providing an immersive experience of the 17 tribes of Nagaland.

Nagaland Day Celebrations

The Corps Commander inaugurated the Nagaland Day celebrations, a vibrant event that showcased the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the state. The celebrations were a reflection of the spirit of unity and diversity, which is central to the ethos of the NCC and the nation.

Interaction and Inspiration

Lt Gen Pendharkar interacted with the cadets, commending their enthusiasm and participation in the camp’s activities. He inspired them to become responsible citizens and to actively contribute to nation-building through discipline, leadership, and service.

A Vision for the Future

The camp not only enhances the cadets’ understanding of India’s diverse cultures but also instills values of unity, camaraderie, and patriotism. The visit by the GOC underscored the importance of such initiatives in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and strengthening the fabric of the nation.

The Spear Corps recently felicitated four officers from Manipur who have been commissioned into the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

A Moment of Pride for Manipur

Senior officials from the Assam Rifles formation, under the Spear Corps, interacted with the newly commissioned officers and their proud parents during the ceremony. The officials extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a bright and successful future in their respective branches of the Armed Forces.

Honoring Excellence

The event was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of these young officers, reflecting the growing representation of the Northeast in the Indian Armed Forces. Their achievements not only bring pride to their families but also inspire countless youth in the region to aim for excellence in service to the nation.

This celebration underscores the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to fostering talent from every corner of the country while strengthening ties with the communities they serve.

Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Spear Corps, visited an Assam Rifles unit in Mokokchung, Nagaland, to review their operational preparedness.

Acknowledging Commitment and High Morale

During the visit, the Corps Commander assessed the unit’s operational readiness and lauded the troops for their professional commitment, dedication, and high morale in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Interaction with Ex-Servicemen

Lt Gen Pendharkar also took the opportunity to interact with Ex-Servicemen in the area. He expressed his gratitude for their continued role in nation-building, recognizing their contributions both during and after their service in the Armed Forces.

Focus on Operational Excellence

The visit reaffirmed the Indian Army and Assam Rifles’ commitment to ensuring operational efficiency and fostering strong ties with veterans and the local population, reflecting the ethos of service and nation-first dedication.

As part of the National Integration Tour under Operation Sadbhavna, a team comprising 35 students and 4 teachers from various villages of East Sikkim had the unique opportunity to interact with Lt Gen RC Srikanth, Chief of Staff (COS), Headquarters Eastern Command, at Fort William, Kolkata.

A Unique Learning Experience

The tour, organized to foster national integration and provide exposure to the youth, allowed the students to participate in the Vijay Diwas 2024 celebrations. They witnessed grand military spectacles, which highlighted the valor, discipline, and rich traditions of the Indian Armed Forces.

Broadening Horizons

The interaction with Lt Gen RC Srikanth and participation in the Vijay Diwas events gave the students an opportunity to:

• Gain exposure to the culture, ethos, and operations of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Interact with senior military personnel and learn about their dedication to the nation.
• Broaden their perspectives by engaging with diverse personalities and experiences.

Operation Sadbhavna: Promoting Unity and Growth

Under Op Sadbhavna, the Indian Army remains committed to fostering harmony, integration, and development in remote regions. Initiatives like these aim to inspire young minds, instill a sense of pride, and encourage them to contribute positively to the nation’s growth.

This memorable experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the students, motivating them to aim higher and recognize the significance of unity and national pride.

Acting on specific intelligence, troops of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, under the Spear Corps, conducted joint search operations in the hill and valley regions of Manipur. The operations spanned across the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi, in close coordination with Manipur Police and other security forces.

Significant Recoveries

The joint operations led to the recovery of:

• 29 weapons, including snipers, automatic weapons, rifles, pistols, and country-made mortars.
• Single-barrel rifles, grenades, and large quantities of ammunition.
• Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet equipment and other war-like stores.

Coordinated Effort for Security

The successful operation highlights the synergy between the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and local security forces in tackling insurgency, arms proliferation, and ensuring stability in the region. The recovery of advanced communication equipment, alongside weaponry, underscores the critical role of timely intelligence and swift action in maintaining security and preventing further threats.

Commitment to Peace and Security

The Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the state and ensuring peace in the region, while continuing operations to counter illicit activities and threats to national security.

The 11th batch of BSc Nursing students at the College of Nursing, Command Hospital, Lucknow, commenced their four-year professional training with great enthusiasm and solemnity.

Lamp Lighting Ceremony

A traditional ‘Lamp Lighting’ ceremony was held on 17 December, symbolizing the beginning of their journey in nursing—a profession dedicated to service, care, and compassion. The first-year students took the Nurses’ Pledge, committing themselves to their vital role in healthcare and upholding the highest standards of nursing ethics and patient care.

Recognition of Excellence

Lt Gen Mukesh Chadha, Chief of Staff, Central Command, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He honored meritorious students for their outstanding achievements, motivating them to continue striving for excellence in both academics and practical training.

Commitment to Healthcare

The event emphasized the significance of nursing as an indispensable part of the healthcare system, highlighting the dedication, skill, and compassion required to excel in this noble profession.

The commencement of training marks the beginning of a promising journey for these future healthcare professionals, ensuring they are equipped to serve the nation with competence and care.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), visited the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he reviewed the training standards, infrastructure, and administrative facilities of the premier institute.

Focus on Modernisation and Technology

During his visit, the COAS appreciated the technology absorption and modernisation initiatives undertaken by the IMA, highlighting their importance in shaping future military leaders to meet evolving operational challenges.

Commending Training Excellence

General Dwivedi commended the high training standards being imparted to the Officer Cadets at IMA. He praised the commitment and dedication of the instructors and urged them to continue striving for excellence, ensuring that the cadets are equipped to serve the nation with skill, discipline, and leadership.

Preparing for a Stronger India

The visit underscored the Indian Army’s focus on preparing its next generation of leaders through rigorous training and cutting-edge methodologies. General Dwivedi’s interaction with the instructors and cadets reaffirmed the IMA’s role as a cradle of military leadership, instilling the values of courage, honor, and professionalism.

The visit resonated with the ethos of “Training Hard for a Stronger India,” reflecting the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to national security and operational readiness.

A contingent of the Kazakhstan Armed Forces has commenced specialized training on Low Intensity Conflict Operations (LICO) at the renowned Counter Insurgency & Jungle Warfare (CIJW) School, Vairengte.

The training aims to strengthen jointmanship and deepen military cooperation between the armed forces of India and Kazakhstan. The CIJW School, widely regarded as a center of excellence in counter-insurgency and jungle warfare, provides unparalleled expertise in operating in complex and challenging environments.

Focus on Specialized Training

The program will equip the Kazakh forces with advanced skills in:

• Low Intensity Conflict Operations
• Jungle Warfare Tactics
• Survival Techniques and Operational Strategy

The training reflects the mutual commitment of both nations to enhance military ties, share knowledge, and bolster regional security cooperation.

Fostering Military Cooperation

The joint training initiative at CIJW School serves as a testament to the strong and growing defense relationship between India and Kazakhstan, promoting interoperability, mutual trust, and readiness to tackle evolving security challenges.

This collaboration not only strengthens military diplomacy but also underscores the role of the CIJW School in fostering partnerships through shared learning and operational excellence.