Mukherjee presents President’s Colours to DSSC

Wellington (TN), Sep 9 (PTI) The premier Defence ServicesStaff College, one of the oldest military institutions inIndia that trains officers of all the three services, wastoday presented Colours by President Pranab Mukherjee. Mukherjee presented the President’s Colours, one of thegreatest honours bestowed upon an institution in recognitionof exceptional service rendered to the nation, at a glitteringfunction here. Speaking on the occasion, he said the college providesa stimulating environment for "analytical thinking towardscreativity and intellectualism". Founded in 1905 as the Army Staff college in Deolali nearMumbai, it was relocated to Quetta (now in Pakistan). Afterthe Partition, the Indian operations relocated to its presenthome in Wellington Cantonment in The Nilgiris district ofTamil Nadu. "Post its relocation from Quetta to Wellington in 1948,the Defence Services Staff College has emerged as the premierTri-Service Institution in the country, and today itepitomises ‘Military Academic Excellence’," he said. It trains officers of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Forceas well as those from friendly foreign countries for commandand staff appointments. "The Staff College, founded on the pillars of’jointmanship and military leadership’, has played aninstrumental role in enhancing the professional capabilitiesof the officers of the three Services to face the futurechallenges," Mukherjee said. He said most critical and sensitive leadership in allthe wars has been provided by the alumni of this very"fountainhead of military learning." Legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is an alumni of thecollege. As many has 1,700 officers from 75 countries havegraduated from the institution and "a large number of themhave risen to the highest positions in their countries", hesaid. "I am delighted to learn that 40 officers from 31 friendlyforeign countries are undergoing the present course," he said."Each one of you is a befitting ambassador of your greatnation and I am certain that you will cherish the strong bondsof friendship established by you with your peer group over ayear of interactive learning." (MORE) PTI JD SP KIS ZMNKIS