The Sapience School in Vikasnagar, Dehradun, will hold the event on 9 October as part of its Civic and Leadership Development Programme. The initiative aims to give pupils practical exposure to parliamentary debate while also inspiring them with values of discipline, integrity and national service.

The session will feature Colonel Mayank Chaubey (Retired), a leadership mentor and strategic speaker, as chief guest. He is expected to deliver a keynote address titled “Operation Sindoor: The Strength of Our Armed Forces and the Armed Forces as a Career Option for Young Aspirants.”

Col Chaubey, who has recently spoken at other schools in Dehradun, is known for talks that combine historical insight, first-hand military experience and motivational appeal.

At Sapience, he is expected to share lessons from his career while discussing “Operation Sindoor”, presented as a case study in India’s defence preparedness and the spirit of sacrifice associated with the armed forces.

Adding to the line-up will be Lt Col Divya Gaur (Retired), who will speak about opportunities for young Indians—both men and women—in the armed forces. Drawing on her own career, she is expected to outline the challenges of military training and the pride of serving in uniform, encouraging students to consider defence service as a purposeful vocation.

The Mock Parliament itself will see pupils assume roles of legislators in a simulation of India’s democratic process, debating and deliberating on issues of governance and responsibility. School leaders say the exercise is intended to nurture civic awareness and respect for diverse perspectives.

The programme will open with a patriotic pledge and conclude with a collective salute to the nation, underscoring what organisers describe as their mission to shape students who are academically accomplished, socially responsible and emotionally connected to national values.

With its combination of democratic learning and military inspiration, the event is expected to leave a strong impression on young participants, reminding them that leadership begins with service—and that the future strength of India rests in the resolve of its youth.

The veterans’ answers were candid yet encouraging, painting a picture of service that was both demanding and rewarding.

In the Himalayan foothills of northern India, Mount Fort Academy became the stage for a lesson that went far beyond textbooks. Two retired Indian Army officers — Colonel Mayank Chaubey and Lieutenant Colonel Divya Gaur — stood before a hall of students not to recount battles, but to share how courage, discipline, and service can shape lives both inside and outside the military.

Their session, titled “Operation Sindoor: The Strength of Our Armed Forces and the Armed Forces as a Career Option for Young Aspirants,” brought together cultural tradition, career guidance, and a deep sense of purpose.

For students in Dehradun, a city long known for its military academies and defence heritage, it was a moment that connected the realities of national service to the aspirations of a younger generation.

Lessons from the Frontline

The event began with ceremonial rituals: students welcomed the guests with the traditional Tilak and a lamp-lighting ceremony symbolising knowledge and enlightenment. But it was when Colonel Chaubey began speaking that the atmosphere shifted.

Drawing on decades of service, he transported the audience into the heart of Operation Sindoor — a military operation that, he explained, reflected precision, professionalism, and the unyielding resolve of India’s armed forces.

“Uniform is not merely a piece of attire,” he told the young audience. “It is a lifelong reminder that the nation always comes first.”

His words were not just about patriotism. They framed the military as a space where resilience, unity, and sacrifice become part of daily life — values that, he suggested, every student could adopt whether or not they pursued a defence career.

In recounting episodes of military life, from tense deployments to moments of camaraderie among soldiers, he offered insights that went beyond geopolitics and strategy. The stories spoke of character, perseverance, and moral strength — timeless lessons relevant to classrooms as much as battlefields.

Broadening Horizons

Adding another dimension to the afternoon, Lt Col Divya Gaur shared her journey as a woman officer in the Indian Army. In a profession often associated with men, she highlighted how opportunities in today’s armed forces are expanding, encouraging young women to step forward into roles of leadership and responsibility.

She explained the various pathways into the military — from the National Defence Academy to specialised technical branches — underscoring that talent and determination matter more than gender.

Her speech resonated with many in the audience, particularly young girls who saw in her a role model balancing compassion with command.

The session then opened to questions. Students, curious and eager, asked about modern warfare technology, the rigours of training, and the realities of life in uniform.

The veterans’ answers were candid yet encouraging, painting a picture of service that was both demanding and rewarding. For the students, the armed forces appeared not just as a career option but as a way of life built on honour and purpose.

Shaping the Next Generation

As the session concluded, the school’s leadership offered thanks and felicitations to the guests. But for many in the audience, the real takeaway was intangible: a renewed sense of what leadership and service mean in an uncertain world.

Colonel Chaubey has made it a personal mission to visit schools and universities across India, seeking to build a bridge between the nation’s youth and its armed forces. His aim, he says, is not only to inform students about career opportunities but to instil values of discipline, unity, and courage that can guide them in any walk of life.

For the students of Mount Fort Academy, the session was less about military tactics and more about human resilience.

In a world where global challenges increasingly call for cooperation, empathy, and strength of character, the wisdom of two veterans offered a reminder: lessons from the battlefield can illuminate the path to a better future.

The program aims to motivate students to consider careers in the Armed Forces, highlighting both the discipline and service values central to military life and the broader role of the Forces in shaping India’s national identity.

A First Step at The Asian School

The initiative began at The Asian School, Dehradun, where students gathered for a lecture themed “Operation Sindoor: The Strength of Our Armed Forces and the Armed Forces as a Career Option for Young Aspirants.”

The session opened with a pledge of commitment by students, followed by a short film on Operation Sindoor, which illustrated the courage and resilience of Indian soldiers.

Colonel Chaubey emphasized that Operation Sindoor was more than a military achievement—it represented “New India’s determination and resilience.” He urged students to adopt the principle of “Nation First, Always First” and to view military service as a career path rooted in courage, discipline, and sacrifice.

The event concluded with enthusiastic chants of national pride.

The mission continues at Mount Fort Academy, Dehradun, on 4 October 2025. This session will not only highlight the strategic lessons of Operation Sindoor but will also feature Lt. Col. Divya Gaur, who will share her personal journey in the Armed Forces, providing students with real-world perspectives on life in uniform.

A Nationwide Vision

Colonel Chaubey’s initiative is designed as a long-term national movement, beginning in Uttarakhand but intended to inspire students across India. By showcasing the Armed Forces as both a career option and a symbol of service to the nation, he hopes to foster a deeper culture of patriotism and civic responsibility among India’s youth.

“Uttarakhand is just the beginning,” Colonel Chaubey said. “The strength of tomorrow lies in instilling discipline, courage, and nation-first values in the youth of today.”

Through the lens of Operation Sindoor, the initiative reminds students that patriotism is not only about defending borders but also about making choices that place collective good above self-interest.

The council, once fully formalized, will be guided by Dr. Ajay Kumar, Vice Chairman of Shivalik College, and mentored by Dr. Saba Sabir, who has nominated seven student volunteers to spearhead youth-led participation. The initiative reflects a shift towards empowering students not just academically, but also in areas of health and social responsibility.

Crucially, the council is being launched in collaboration with the Breast Cancer in Young Women (BCYW) Foundation, based in Denver, United States. Together, the partners plan to host a comprehensive awareness program on campus, focusing on breast cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of destigmatizing health discussions among young women.

Colonel Mayank Chaubey (Retd.), Global Ambassador of BCYW Foundation, will lead the campaign. His international outreach has been central to bringing global expertise and attention to the urgent issue of breast cancer among young women, a challenge that transcends borders.

The initiative also marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Shivalik College and BCYW Foundation, formalized through a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Once operational, the YCBH aims to serve as a model for educational institutions worldwide, inspiring universities and colleges to empower students—particularly young women—to take ownership of their health and well-being.

By integrating global health advocacy into its educational mission, Shivalik College is positioning itself as a pioneer in bridging the gap between academia and health awareness, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Central to the programme was the launch of the Youth Council for Breast Health (YCBH), a student-driven initiative designed to empower young women across Uttarakhand with practical knowledge about breast health. With a bold five-year vision, the council plans to engage at least 25,500 women across 11 universities, emphasizing early detection, preventative strategies, and long-term awareness.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Niharika Verma of HIMS, SRHU, Jolly Grant, and Dr. Prasuna Jelly from AIIMS Rishikesh, shared expert insights into breast health, covering topics from self-examinations to lifestyle interventions and the latest medical research on early detection. Their presentations were met with keen interest, as students actively participated in extended Q&A sessions, reflecting a growing commitment among the youth to take charge of their health.

Adding a unique perspective on community service and leadership, Colonel Mayank Chaubey, a retired Indian Army officer, highlighted the importance of discipline, awareness, and proactive action in addressing health challenges. He encouraged students to approach breast health with the same focus and dedication often associated with military service, emphasizing that prevention and education are as critical as treatment.

Highlighting the university’s support, Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice-Chancellor of Doon University, praised the foundation’s efforts, stating, “This initiative reflects a commitment to not just education but also the wellbeing of our students. By integrating health awareness into university life, we are fostering a culture of proactive care that can save lives.”

Organisers underscored that the programme is more than a one-time awareness drive. It is a strategic call to action aimed at reducing late-stage diagnoses of breast cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of mortality among young women in India and worldwide. Through mentorship, peer-led campaigns, and partnerships with medical institutions, YCBH intends to build a sustainable network of informed advocates capable of influencing their communities positively.

Participants described the programme as both empowering and transformative. “Understanding breast health at this stage of life is crucial,” said Ananya Sharma, a second-year student at Doon University. “This initiative motivates us to take responsibility not just for ourselves but also to spread awareness among our peers and families.”

The collaboration between BCYWF and Uttarakhand universities reflects a growing trend of global partnerships in health education. By combining international expertise with local engagement, the programme demonstrates how cross-border initiatives can address pressing health challenges while nurturing the next generation of informed leaders.

As the Youth Council for Breast Health gears up for its statewide rollout, the initiative sets a benchmark for student-led, socially impactful programs. Its vision aligns with a broader global movement to equip young women with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to confront breast cancer proactively, ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives for years to come.

The initiative—part of a five-year, state-wide campaign—seeks to reach 25,500 young women across 11 universities in Uttarakhand with lifesaving education on early detection and risk reduction. The programme at Doon University will bring together medical experts, public health advocates, and students in an interactive, data-driven effort to change the trajectory of breast cancer outcomes in India.

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. In India, one in 28 women will develop the disease in their lifetime—rising to one in 22 in urban areas—and younger women are increasingly at risk.

Globally, experts warn that cultural myths, delayed detection, and inadequate screening continue to drive mortality rates.

The Doon University campaign seeks to close these gaps by challenging the misconception that breast cancer is solely an “older woman’s disease,” promoting self-examination and timely medical consultation, and equipping students with multilingual resources to extend awareness within their communities.

Event Highlights – 13 August 2025

The event on 13 August 2025 will open at 10:00 am with an address by the Vice Chancellor of Doon University, followed by an expert-led interactive session with Col. Mayank Chaubey and a team of doctors from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The programme will also see the launch of the Doon University Youth Council for Breast Health, the distribution of self-examination guides in multiple languages, and a live question-and-answer session with healthcare professionals.

Concluding the morning, Dr. Rajesh Bhatt will present a psychological perspective on well-being from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

This initiative builds on the momentum of the campaign’s first event, held on 18 July 2025 at Military Hospital Dehradun, where young women from the cantonment turned out in large numbers, surpassing expectations and engaging in lively, insightful discussions.

A Model for International Outreach

The BCYW Foundation’s Uttarakhand model is drawing attention from health advocacy groups worldwide as a promising and replicable blueprint for community-led, youth-focused cancer prevention. Its approach—embedding health literacy into academic environments—ensures that awareness begins early, within trusted spaces of learning. By combining medical expertise with student-driven outreach, the initiative not only addresses immediate knowledge gaps but also fosters a generation of informed health advocates.

This strategy aligns closely with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global objectives for early detection, lifestyle-based prevention, and equitable access to information. International observers view it as a case study in how local initiatives, when well-structured, can resonate beyond national borders.

At a time when global cancer rates are climbing and younger demographics are increasingly affected, the upcoming Doon University event highlights the urgency of merging public health diplomacy with grassroots engagement. It transforms university campuses into hubs of wellness activism—places where education, prevention, and empowerment intersect to create lasting change, both locally and globally.