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Goa : 3 May 2023
The Valedictory Function of the 35th Naval Higher Command Course (NHCC) was held at the Naval War College today, marking the completion of the course by 34 officers. The flagship course, which commenced on 1 August 2022, is attended by Captains of the Indian Navy and equivalent ranks from the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard and aims to prepare officers for leadership at strategic and operational levels, with a primary focus on national security, maritime strategy, joint operations, and technology transformations. Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
During the course, the participating officers undertook research on a wide variety of subjects of strategic and operational importance to the nation in general and the Armed Forces in particular. The participation comprised 25 officers from the Indian Navy, four officers each from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and one Coast Guard officer. graduating officers will now occupy key operational and staff billets in the Armed Forces and will be instrumental in policy formulation as well as in decision making.
Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai congratulated the medal winners and lauded the officers for their perseverance and professional excellence. He also appreciated the discipline of India’s Defence forces.
Capt Rajeev Tiwari was awarded the Chief of Naval Staff Gold Medal for the Best Dissertation, and Capt Vikram Ahuja was awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (West) Silver Medal for the second-best dissertation. Capt Kunal Bharadwaj was awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (South) Silver Medal for the best Operation Research paper, whilst Capt Varun Paniker and Col RR Laddha were awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (East) Silver Medal for the second-best paper. In memory of the first Chief of Defence Staff, a newly instituted General Bipin Rawat Trophy for the Most Spirited Officer was awarded to Capt Suraj James Rabeira during the function.
Along with Chief Guest, Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Mrs Kala Hari Kumar, President Navy Welfare & Wellness Association (NWWA), Mrs Madhumati Hampiholi NWWA (Southern Region), and daughters of Late General Bipin Rawat were also present at the function.
GSK/SRT/PM
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