Wellington, Tamil Nadu: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, addressed student officers and faculty of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) at Wellington today, lauding its contributions to shaping the future leaders of India’s armed forces and allied nations.
In her address, President Murmu commended the DSSC for its pivotal role in professionally grooming middle-level officers across the services and selected civilian officers over seven decades. She highlighted the college’s unique distinction as a multi-service and multi-national institution with a highly skilled and diverse faculty.
The President praised the Indian armed forces for their dedication and service in guarding the nation’s boundaries and securing its interests. “Our defence personnel, who serve with the spirit of Nation First, deserve high praise,” she said, underscoring the nation’s pride in its defence forces.
President Murmu expressed her satisfaction with the growing presence of women in the armed forces, noting that women officers now command various units across all three services. She described this progress as inspiring for young girls and emphasized the importance of women breaking new ground in previously uncharted territories.
Reflecting on India’s rising stature on the global stage, the President highlighted advancements in defence, including strides towards indigenization and self-reliance. She noted the nation’s development as a significant defence manufacturing hub and its evolution into a reliable defence partner and exporter.
Acknowledging the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, President Murmu stressed the need for readiness to tackle evolving challenges such as cyber warfare, terrorism, and climate change. She called for the application of cutting-edge technologies and research to address these issues effectively.
The President expressed confidence in the DSSC’s ability to equip its student officers with the knowledge and strategic skills necessary to handle complex situations. “This course will prepare officers for higher responsibilities and enable them to emerge as strategists capable of navigating intricate scenarios,” she said.
