Panaji: The valedictory function of the 35th Naval Higher Command Course (NHCC) was held at the Naval War College in Goa on Wednesday, marking the completion of the course by 34 officers.
The flagship course, which commenced on August 1, 2022, was attended by Captains of the Indian Navy and equivalent ranks from the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.
The course was aimed at preparing 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 was the chief guest at the valedictory function.
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, a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said.
“The participation comprised 25 officers from the Indian Navy, four officers each from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, and one Coast Guard officer. The 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,” he said.
Governor 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.
Vice Admiral M. A. Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command also graced the occasion. All the course participants were awarded degree certificates on Defence and Strategic Studies. 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 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. R.R. Laddha were awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in- Chief (East) Silver Medal for the second best paper.
A newly-instituted, General Bipin Rawat Trophy in the memory of first Chief of Defence Staff for the Most Spirited Officer was awarded to Capt. Suraj James Rabeira during the function.
Kala Hari Kumar, president, Navy Welfare & Wellness Association (NWWA), Madhumati Hampiholi, NWWA (Southern Region) and daughters of late General Bipin Rawat were also present for the function.