The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, COAS, formally instituted the Lt Gen PS Bhagat Chair of Excellence and Memorial Lecture in a grand ceremony at USI on 14th October 2022. He stated that Lt Gen PS Bhagat was a visionary leader and a strategic thinker. This event coincided with Lt Gen Bhagat’s 103 birthday. The event commenced with Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM**(Retd) Director, USI’s Welcome Remarks. He then highlighted the significance of creating Lt Gen PS Bhagat’s Chair of Excellence, a befitting tribute to the astute leadership and professionalism of a great scholar General. He stated that the first topic of research under this chair will be on “Legacy of Lt Gen Prem Bhagat: A Visionary and Strategic Leader”. A Memorial Lecture in his name was also instituted and the first lecture will be delivered by former General VP Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retd).
The main dignitaries apart from COAS were former General VP Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.), and Lt Gen SN Sharma (Retd) who both reminisced few significant anecdotes of Lt Gen Bhagat’s life. Further, Lt Gen Bhagat’s daughter Mrs Ashali Verma was also present who fondly remembered her father and narrated incidents from his life. She has also written a book titled “The Victoria Cross: A love Story”
A short documentary on Lt Gen Bhagat was also played which highlighted his achievements and immense contributions to the Indian Army both before and after India’s independence.
Instituting the Chair Of Excellence
Address by COAS