Patriotic opening at Mount Fort Academy
On Dehradun, 4 October 2025, Mount Fort Academy, Dehradun, filled with patriotic enthusiasm and youthful energy as it hosted a motivational session and career counselling workshop featuring Colonel Mayank Chaubey (Retd), distinguished veteran of the Indian Army, on the theme “Operation Sindoor: The Strength of Our Armed Forces and the Armed Forces as a Career Option for Young Aspirants.”
The event took place at Kala–Angan on Saturday, October 4, 2025, beginning at 12:15 p.m.
Warm welcome and ceremonial opening
The morning commenced with the welcome of the Chief Guest by the Director, Principal Dr. Paarull Sharma, and Headmistress Mrs. Manju Gupta, setting a gracious and respectful tone.
Students Priyansh and Bhoomi of Grade IX, under the guidance of Mrs. Preeti Behl, performed the Tilak ceremony at 11:45 AM, symbolising the traditional Indian gesture of honour and auspicious beginnings.
The Chief Guest was then escorted to the venue by the same students, reflecting the discipline and decorum instilled in the academy’s young learners. At 12:05 PM, the dignitaries, including Colonel Chaubey, Lt Col Divya Gaur (Retd), Director, Principal, Headmistress, and Mr. Mohan Gupta, jointly participated in the Lighting of the Lamp, invoking the blessings of knowledge and enlightenment.
A short prayer, led by the Headmistress, followed — a serene moment of reflection that prepared the audience for an afternoon of learning and inspiration.
Introduction of the guests
At 12:20 PM, Mrs. Teena Dora and Mrs. Priyanka Julian formally introduced the Chief Guests — Colonel Mayank Chaubey (Retd) and Lt Col Divya Gaur (Retd) — outlining their illustrious careers and service to the nation. The introduction was met with loud applause, as students stood in respect to welcome the two officers whose presence brought the ideals of patriotism and leadership alive.
Colonel Chaubey’s session: Operation Sindoor and the spirit of service
Beginning his address at 12:30 PM, Colonel Chaubey transported the audience into the heart of Operation Sindoor, narrating how the precision and professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces reflected the unwavering resolve of a New India. His words carried the weight of lived experience and deep conviction.
He spoke of courage, sacrifice, and unity — qualities that define every soldier. “Uniform,” he said, “is not merely a piece of attire. It is a lifelong reminder that the nation always comes first.”
In the course of his lecture, Colonel Chaubey also gave a historic perspective of the Kashmir issue, tracing its roots to post-Independence developments and highlighting how successive military and diplomatic actions have shaped India’s strategic stance in the region. He explained how Operation Sindoor represented a continuation of that evolving doctrine — an assertion of national will backed by precision and preparedness. His remarks offered the students a rare insight into India’s security challenges and the significance of defending its sovereignty through both strength and restraint.
He further emphasized the importance of discipline, teamwork, and moral courage in every walk of life, urging students to embody these values whether or not they pursue a career in defence. His stories — from border deployments to moments of camaraderie and sacrifice — left the hall silent with admiration and respect.
Lt Col Divya Gaur’s motivational address
Adding an empowering perspective, Lt Col Divya Gaur (Retd) addressed the gathering with warmth and confidence. She spoke extensively about the career prospects in the Armed Forces, detailing various entry routes such as the NDA, CDS, and technical branches. Her focus on equal opportunity inspired many young girls present, as she highlighted how today’s Armed Forces encourage leadership and excellence irrespective of gender.
Drawing from her personal journey, she spoke about balancing compassion with command, courage with care, and dedication with discipline. Her words resonated deeply with the students, who found in her a role model of strength and grace.
Interaction and student participation
A lively question-and-answer round followed at 1:20 PM, where students eagerly interacted with both speakers. The questions reflected curiosity about defence training, technology in modern warfare, and life in uniform. The responses of the two veterans — equal parts realistic and inspirational — reinforced that the Armed Forces represent not just a profession but a way of life built on service and honour.
At 1:30 PM, the Principal delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the guests for their insightful and patriotic addresses. A brief Felicitation ceremony followed at 1:35 PM, where tokens of appreciation were presented to both officers as a gesture of gratitude.
Closing moments and reflections
Before departing, the entire assembly stood together and echoed the resounding chant — “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” — filling the hall with pride and emotion. It was a moment that encapsulated the essence of the day: patriotism, discipline, and collective aspiration.
A continuing mission
Colonel Chaubey’s ongoing outreach across educational institutions aims to strengthen the bridge between India’s youth and its Armed Forces. His mission is to cultivate a generation that views national service not merely as a duty but as an honour. The Mount Fort Academy session exemplified this goal — an unforgettable convergence of inspiration, information, and national pride.
As the students dispersed, their faces reflected a shared sentiment — admiration for the men and women who safeguard the nation, and the newfound realization that courage and character are timeless virtues that every Indian youth can embody.
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
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