Late Lt Gen Premindra Singh Bhagat, PVSM, VC, fondly called ‘Prem Bhagat’ was an iconic personality who was awarded the highest pre-independence gallantry award ‘VICTORIA CROSS’  for the most conspicuous gallantry on active service in the Middle East during the pursuit of the enemy following the capture of Metemma on the night of 31 Jan / 01 Feb 1941.  Lt Gen PS Bhagat, PVSM, VC was not only the recipient of the Victoria Cross but had the unique honour of being the First Bombay Sapper to have reached the exalted rank of Lieutenant General and to have commanded the Central and Northern Command with grace and élan.  He was the Colonel Commandant of the Bombay Sappers from March 1971 and was also the Colonel of the SIKH LI from June 1966 till his demise in May 1975.

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding with the United Service Institution of India, New Delhi, and the Bombay Sappers, the Lt Gen PS Bhagat Memorial Lecture commenced in the year 2023.   It is now being held annually.

On 17 May 2024, the Second Lt Gen PS Bhagat Memorial Lecture on the topic “Armed Forces Contribution to Realise the Vision of Rising India” was delivered by Lt Gen KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd), Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal