Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington Holds 79th Staff Course Convocation Ceremony

Wellington: The prestigious Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington conducted the Convocation ceremony for the 79th Staff Course on April 13, 2024. The ceremony, a symbol of academic achievement and leadership, was presided over by Commandant Lt Gen Virendra Vats. A total of 476 officers, including 36 International Officers from 26 Friendly Foreign Countries, graduated from the College.

In his Convocation address, Lt Gen Vats urged the graduating officers to continue their quest for knowledge and to become catalysts for change within the Armed Forces. He stressed the importance of fostering a joint culture and ethos, instilled during their time at DSSC, Wellington.

Meritorious officers who excelled in Military Studies and groups that achieved distinction in Exercises and Research Projects were honored during the Convocation Ceremony. The prestigious Manekshaw Medal was awarded to Maj BPS Mankotia of the Indian Army, Cdr Ravikant Tiwari of the Indian Navy, and Wg Cdr T Mohan of the Indian Air Force for their outstanding performance. Maj C Teeneshwaran from the Republic of Singapore received the Southern Star Medal, recognizing him as the Best amongst International Student Officers. Additionally, medals were awarded for Academic Excellence and All Round Proficiency.

The primary objective of the Staff Course is to train selected officers of the three Services in command and staff functions, both in peace and war, within their own service, inter-service, and joint service environments. It also aims to provide general education to enable officers to perform effectively in command and staff appointments.