ARMY CHIEF GENERAL UPENDRA DWIVEDI VISITS HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN COMMAND – FELICITATED VETERAN ACHIEVERS, WITNESSED SOUTHERN STAR IDEA INNOVATION DISPLAY
ARMY CHIEF GENERAL UPENDRA DWIVEDI VISITS HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN COMMAND – FELICITATED VETERAN ACHIEVERS, WITNESSED SOUTHERN STAR IDEA INNOVATION DISPLAY
On the 2nd day of his visit to Pune, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) visited the Headquarters Southern Command, where he reviewed the operational preparedness of the Command and ongoing preparations for the Army Day Parade 2025 which is scheduled to be conducted in Pune for the first time on 15th January 2025.
During the visit, the COAS felicitated two veterans with the Veteran Achievers Award for their exceptional post-retirement contributions. Details of both the veteran achievers are as given below: –
The COAS also witnessed the Southern Star Idea Innovation Display. The event showcased a dynamic blend of innovations, successful Internal Research and Development (IR&D) projects, and collaborations with the industry. This display served as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technological advancements, highlighting the Indian Army’s commitment to modernising and enhancing its operational capabilities through innovation and collaboration with the private sector.
The COAS expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the innovators, researchers and industry partners involved in the projects. He commended the forward-thinking approach to developing solutions that address contemporary military challenges and emphasised the critical role that innovations play in maintaining the Army’s strategic edge. The COAS highlighted that such initiatives are vital for sustaining the Army’s operational readiness, ensuring it remains agile and equipped to meet future challenges in an ever-evolving security landscape.
Later in the day, the COAS delivered a keynote address during General BC Joshi memorial lecture organised by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). This annual event pays tribute to the memory and legacy of late General BC Joshi, Ex COAS, a distinguished leader who made significant contributions to both the Indian Army and the field of higher education.
The event was attended physically by academic scholars, military officials, students, faculties and distinguished guests, and streamed live to all students of the university.
General Dwivedi, in his talk on the topic “Role and Contribution of Indian Army in Securing India’s Growth Story,” highlighted the pivotal role of the Indian Army in not only safeguarding the nation’s borders but also contributing to national development, security and strategic growth. Excerpts from the COAS talk are as given below: –
The event reflected a strong bond between the university and the armed forces, an enduring partnership that General BC Joshi helped nurture. General Joshi, during his tenure as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, was a stalwart of the university community. His legacy includes delivering the convocation address at SPPU and laying the foundation stone for the university’s iconic “Gateway of Knowledge,” which was later renamed as the “General BC Joshi Dwar” in his honour following his untimely demise on 18th November 1994.
In addition to his military service, General BC Joshi’s foresight in higher education led to the establishment of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Chair in Policy Studies at the university. He also advocated for strengthening the relationship between the university and the armed forces, particularly in the areas of national security, policy analysis, and strategic studies.
General BC Joshi Memorial Lecture series, instituted jointly by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies and Headquarters Southern Command in 1995, was designed to recognise and perpetuate his contributions to national security and education. The series, which has been held annually ever since, serves as a platform for thought leaders and key figures in defence and strategic studies to engage in critical dialogue. In 2005, the Chief of Staff Committee resolved that the lecture would be delivered by one of the three Service Chiefs, rotating annually.
Since then, the lecture series, has seen prominent speakers from all services of the armed forces, continuously fostering greater understanding of India’s strategic priorities and the role of the military in achieving the nation’s objectives.
