Mukherjee presents President's Colours to DSSC

The premier Defence Services Staff College, one of the oldest military institutions in India that trains officers of all the three services, was today presented Colours by President Pranab Mukherjee.
Mukherjee presented the President's Colours, one of the greatest honours bestowed upon an institution in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the nation, at a glittering function here.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the college provides a stimulating environment for "analytical thinking towards creativity and intellectualism".
Founded in 1905 as the Army Staff college in Deolali near Mumbai, it was relocated to Quetta (now in Pakistan). After the Partition, the Indian operations relocated to its present home in Wellington Cantonment in The Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.

"Post its relocation from Quetta to Wellington in 1948, the Defence Services Staff College has emerged as the premier Tri-Service Institution in the country, and today it epitomises 'Military Academic Excellence'," he said.
It trains officers of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force as well as those from friendly foreign countries for command and staff appointments.

"The Staff College, founded on the pillars of 'jointmanship and military leadership', has played an instrumental role in enhancing the professional capabilities of the officers of the three Services to face the future challenges," Mukherjee said.
He said most critical and sensitive leadership in all the wars has been provided by the alumni of this very "fountainhead of military learning."

Legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is an alumni of the college.
As many has 1,700 officers from 75 countries have graduated from the institution and "a large number of them have risen to the highest positions in their countries", he said.
"I am delighted to learn that 40 officers from 31 friendly foreign countries are undergoing the present course," he said. "Each one of you is a befitting ambassador of your great nation and I am certain that you will cherish the strong bonds of friendship established by you with your peer group over a year of interactive learning.