St James' School, Entally, hosted three retired Indian Armed Forces officers for an interactive session with senior students. The veterans shared stories about their military careers and national service. They explained how the forces help during natural disasters and international missions, describing their unique profession as a "way of life."
St James' School, Entally, hosted an interactive session for its senior students featuring three retired officers from the Indian Armed Forces, offering them an opportunity to learn about military careers, national service and the responsibilities of the defence forces. The speakers -- Captain Amit Sanyal of the Indian Navy, Colonel (Dr) Shantonu Roy of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Shomir Chaudhuri of the Indian Air Force -- are all alumni of the National Defence Academy (NDA). Wing Commander Chaudhuri, a veteran of the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, also shared experiences from his years of service. Having cleared the NDA's rigorous selection process at the age of 16-17, the three officers spoke about their journeys and the values that shaped their careers.
The programme aimed to familiarise students with the role, responsibilities, and importance of the Armed Forces. Personal anecdotes and accounts from the officers' professional lives kept the audience engaged during the hour-long interaction. The presence of a newly commissioned Army officer added another perspective to the discussion. His account of the selection and training process helped students relate to the experiences of someone closer to their own age, while his commitment to military service offered them an insight into the dedication required of those entering the profession.
The discussion extended beyond the Armed Forces' role in protecting the country's borders to their contributions during peacetime and national emergencies. The veterans explained how the Army, Navy and Air Force assist local administrations during natural disasters and other crises. Their examples included support operations during cyclones, floods and railway accidents, as well as road construction in difficult and remote terrain. They also highlighted the use of helicopters and transport aircraft to deliver food and essential supplies to affected communities and evacuate stranded people, including during operations involving citizens in foreign countries.
The officers also discussed the international responsibilities undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces. Their contributions to United Nations missions, anti-piracy patrols and joint military exercises with the armed forces of other countries were highlighted as important aspects of India's defence engagement beyond its borders. Such activities, the speakers explained, help strengthen international cooperation and build professional ties between nations.
Alongside sharing their experiences, the veterans introduced students to different entry routes into the Armed Forces, the advantages of a military career and the benefits available after retirement. They described service as a "way of life", emphasising that it involves a sustained commitment to responsibility and discipline. The speakers also encouraged students to develop qualities such as discipline, dedication and determination, explaining that these values can contribute to success in any professional field.
The interaction gave students an opportunity to understand the Armed Forces through the experiences of veterans and a serving young officer. By combining information about defence careers with real-life accounts of military service, disaster response and international engagement, the programme offered the senior students a broader perspective on the contribution of the three services and the values associated with serving the nation.