The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the Presidential Colours to the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington today (September 9, 2016).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said the award of Presidential Colours is a befitting tribute to the eternal spirit of this great institution. He was certain that the Staff College would continue to produce military leaders of great repute and resolve.

The President said it is a matter of honour, that more than 1700 officers from 75 countries from all over the world have graduated from the portals of this unique institution and a large number of them have risen to the highest positions in their countries. Each one of them is a befitting ambassador of their great nation. He was certain that they would cherish the strong bonds of friendship established by them with their peer group over a year of interactive learning. The President said it was important that this strong relationship of goodwill develops into everlasting ties of mutual faith and warmth between our great nations.

The President praised the Defence Services Staff College for spreading awareness on ‘Clean Ganga’, ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padao’ campaigns. He also complimented the College for taking up promotion of ‘Green initiatives’ of rain water harvesting, solar power generation and recycling there by contributing towards preservation of the rich eco-biosphere of the Nilgiris.

This release issued at 1500 hrs.