Inside India’s Armed Forces: Retired Army Officers Inspire Young Minds in Dehradun
Dehradun – Students at The Asian School, one of Dehradun’s leading educational institutions, received a rare insight into India’s military ethos on Tuesday, as retired Colonel Mayank Chaubey addressed them in a session highlighting both national defence and career opportunities in the armed forces.
The presentation, titled “Operation Sindoor: Strength of Our Armed Forces and Armed Forces as a Career Option for Young Aspirants”, aimed to inspire students while providing practical guidance on pursuing military careers.
Colonel Chaubey, a decorated army veteran with nearly three decades of service, drew on his experiences from Operation Sindoor, a series of precision military operations that underscored India’s strategic capabilities.
The session illustrated the values of courage, discipline, leadership, and sacrifice central to military life, while helping students understand the broader role of the armed forces in safeguarding national security.
“Guiding students towards the service of Naya Bharat is not just a duty, it is a responsibility. If even one student finds inspiration to wear the uniform, the mission is accomplished,” Colonel Chaubey said during the event.
Joining him was retired Lieutenant Colonel Divya Gaur, one of the pioneering women officers of the Indian Army. Her presence emphasized the opportunities available to both men and women in the armed forces and provided a broader perspective on the inclusivity of military careers.
Together, the officers shared firsthand accounts of operational challenges, the personal discipline required, and the triumphs achieved on the battlefield, connecting abstract concepts of national defence to tangible lessons for students.
The event bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world defence experience. Students gained insight not only into the strategic dimensions of military operations but also into the personal values and professional skills developed by those who serve. Such exposure encouraged thoughtful career decisions, fostered respect for national defence, and instilled a sense of civic duty.
Colonel Chaubey has conducted similar outreach programs across Indian schools and universities, underscoring his commitment to youth engagement and nation-building.
By familiarizing students early with the ethos of the armed forces, he seeks to motivate informed career choices while promoting awareness of the importance of national security in shaping India’s future.
For many students, the presentation proved to be more than an academic lecture. It was an immersive experience highlighting both the operational strength of India’s armed forces and the human stories of grit, determination, and resilience behind the uniform. International observers note that such programs reflect India’s broader efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and inspire youth participation in national development.
Colonel Chaubey’s career spans nearly 30 years, including specialist work in armament, ammunition, and training, as well as a six-year tenure with the Ministry of External Affairs at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi.
Lieutenant Colonel Gaur brought decades of leadership experience and advocacy for gender inclusion in the armed forces, reinforcing the message that military service is accessible to all capable and motivated individuals.
As India continues to encourage youth participation in national service and reinforce public understanding of its military, initiatives such as this session at The Asian School demonstrate how education, civic awareness, and professional guidance can converge to cultivate the next generation of leaders.
