Lt Col Ankur Tyagi Awarded GOC-in-C ARTRAC Book Prize as Lt Gen Varshney Emphasizes Ethical Leadership in Military Careers

Lt Gen Neeraj Varshney, AVSM, VSM, who serves as the Commandant of the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), addressed the officers of the SO(EME)-145 Course at the Faculty of Emerging Military Technologies (FEMT) on July 10, 2026. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the significant responsibility that comes with command and urged the officers to maintain the highest levels of professional excellence, ethical behavior, and selfless service throughout their military careers.

During his address, Lt Gen Varshney characterized command not just as a position of authority but as a privilege that demands unwavering dedication, accountability, and exemplary leadership. He reminded the officers that every decision made in command has a lasting impact on personnel, operational readiness, and the reputation of the Indian Army, stressing the necessity of integrity and sound judgment for military leaders.

The Commandant underscored the importance of upholding the highest standards of financial probity, moral courage, and professional integrity in executing command responsibilities. He encouraged the officers to create a clear roadmap for their future command roles, continuously enhance their knowledge through lifelong learning, and remain flexible in an era marked by rapidly evolving military technologies and operational challenges.

Addressing the complexities of modern military leadership, Lt Gen Varshney advised cultivating sound judgment and decisiveness in challenging situations. He underscored that true leadership often involves choosing the "harder right over the easy wrong," urging the officers to remain steadfast in their principles even when faced with tough decisions.

Drawing on the Bhagavad Gita's principle of 'Nishkam Karma,' Lt Gen Varshney urged the officers to perform their duties with humility, integrity, and selfless devotion to the nation, free from personal gain motives. He encouraged them to exercise authority wisely and responsibly, ensuring that their leadership is rooted in fairness, compassion, and accountability.

The senior officer also spoke about balancing technical excellence with administrative duties, especially for officers of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, who play a crucial role in maintaining the operational effectiveness of the Army's sophisticated equipment and weapon systems. He advised the graduating officers to adopt a long-term perspective, embrace innovation boldly, and lead by personal example to inspire confidence among their troops.

Stressing that effective leadership goes beyond technical proficiency, Lt Gen Varshney reminded the officers that command often requires courage, resilience, and the willingness to make difficult decisions, rather than seeking easy popularity. He encouraged each officer to develop into a leader worthy of emulation by demonstrating professionalism, discipline, and unwavering dedication to duty in every assignment.

The ceremony also celebrated outstanding academic achievements during the course. Lt Col Ankur Tyagi was awarded the prestigious GOC-in-C Army Training Command (ARTRAC) Book Prize, having been recognized as the Best Student of the SO(EME)-145 Course, exemplifying his exceptional performance and professional excellence during the training program.

The SO(EME)-145 Course, conducted at the Faculty of Emerging Military Technologies, is designed to prepare officers of the Corps of EME for higher responsibilities in command and staff roles. The program focuses on developing the technical expertise, leadership qualities, and decision-making abilities required to meet the evolving operational and technological demands of the Indian Army, ensuring officers are equipped to lead with competence, integrity, and vision in future command roles.