Just finished reading this classic. I remember seeing the movie almost five decades ago while still a cadet at the National Defence Academy, Kharakvasla, bringing back vivid memories of those times. I suppose the NDA was our Shangri-La, cocooned from the harsh realities of life.

Congratulations to my co-Chief. We will all be cheering for you. Best wishes from all Lions ( Lima Squadron) and all Chappans ( 56 course NDA). livemint.com/politics/news/…

At the Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre to address students staff and parents. Seated with me are Ms Bhawna Gupta and Mr Partho Kar. It was heartening to interact with the students and responding to their mature questions.

At the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya. Guess this PM before the video ends. 😊

Interacted with a 32 member team of Boeing as part of their Program Manager Development Program. Also in the picture are Mr Salil Gupte, President Boeing India and Ms Praveena Yagnamabhat, the Chief of Staff. Stressed on the importance of Make in India as the way forward.

While en route to Ba Na hills. What a balancing act!!

Left Vietnam after an exhilarating stay. Visited Danang, Hoi An and Hue, places I had only read about while studying the Vietnam campaign for promotion exams. 😀

Hotel Vinpearl, Halong Bay, Vietnam. Here for the wedding celebrations of Vivek, son of Naresh and Sangeeta Dinodiya. Naresh and I first met at Yangon, Myanmar over a decade ago when I was the Defence Attaché. Vietnam too has developed significantly from when we visited in 2009.

Caught up with my classmates from Jnana Prabodhinee Prashala yesterday at Pune. Old is gold 😊.

Hello friends. This is the email that is doing the rounds. Please disregard this and any other such phishing scams. Have a safe weekend.

This is to inform everyone that these type of malicious messages are doing the rounds. I would urge everyone to please be careful and not to respond to any such messages or emails that are being sent. Be patient.

At the book launch of the book ‘Beyond Binaries: The World of India and China 2008-2022’, authored by Mr Shastri Ramachandran ( facing to my right). A very insightful book and a must read for China scholars.

At Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha Ceremony. Historic occasion for the country.

Lohri celebrations at Ultima. Young and old, all came out to celebrate in spite of the cold. The community spirit was itself heartwarming.

Attended a seminar organised by the ORF on China and Russia in the Emerging Asian Defence Architecture. Many insightful remarks by the panelists especially Ambassador Ajai Malhotra and Mr Rafiq Dossani. Defence against whom will remain the unaddressed question. Comments?

Diksha Dagar receiving the Arjuna Award from the Honorable President of India. Now I can proudly say that I have played golf with an Arjuna awardee. We wish Diksha many more accomplishments in the years to come. Congratulations.

Brought the curtains down on 2023 by giving a talk at IIT Bombay in the august company of my course-mates and fellow Chiefs. A befitting end to an eventful year.

At Pune at a function organised by the Swami Vivekananda Jeevanjyot Sanstha in honour of Padmashri Mohan Ranade, a renowned freedom fighter who was imprisoned for many years by the Portuguese. His life story should be a lesson for all not to take freedom for granted.

Speaking shortly at the School of International Studies JNU in the valedictory session on India’s National Security.

Happy Vijay Diwas. On this day let us remember the courage of our soldiers sailors and airmen and pay homage to all those who laid down their lives for the honour of our country.