Sri Vijaya Puram, May 25: The annual alumni meet of Sainik School Rewa held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi brought together several distinguished former students, including the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, senior military officers and public figures, with speakers highlighting the role of Sainik Schools in shaping leadership and national service.
Among those present at the gathering were Devendra Kumar Joshi, Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi, Lt Gen Dushyant Chauhan (Retd), Air Marshal P.K. Roy (Retd) and Arunachal Pradesh Governor K. T. Parnaik, who is also an alumnus from the first batch of the institution.
The event was organised by the Delhi NCR chapter of the alumni association of Sainik School Rewa and focused on the institution’s contribution to public service, military leadership and nation-building over the decades.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Parnaik said Sainik Schools had played a transformative role in the country by nurturing disciplined, patriotic and service-oriented youth.
He said the schools’ emphasis on character-building, leadership, academic excellence and national spirit had helped shape generations of responsible citizens committed to serving the country in various capacities.
According to him, Sainik Schools have consistently produced officers, administrators, professionals and public servants who have contributed significantly to India’s growth, governance and security.
The Governor also referred to the role of the Armed Forces during operations such as “Operation Sindoor”, stating that the courage and professionalism displayed by military personnel reflected the values of dedication, preparedness and patriotism that Sainik Schools aim to instil in students.
He said such institutions would continue to remain important as India moves towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat”, adding that disciplined leadership and national unity would remain central to the country’s long-term development goals.
The presence of the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at the event also highlighted the longstanding connection between Sainik School alumni and key administrative and military positions across the country.
Andaman and Nicobar Administration is headed by Lt Governor Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi, a former Chief of the Naval Staff, who has frequently represented the islands at national-level strategic, defence and governance-related events.
Sainik School Rewa, established in 1962, is among the earliest Sainik Schools in the country and has produced several distinguished alumni serving in the armed forces, civil services, sports and other sectors.
The alumni meet served both as a reunion and as a platform for discussions on leadership, public service and the evolving role of military-style education institutions in contemporary India.
Participants at the event reflected on the institution’s legacy and the role such schools have played in preparing students for careers in defence and public administration.
The Sainik School system was established with the objective of preparing students academically, physically and mentally for entry into the National Defence Academy and other leadership roles. Over the decades, the schools have expanded beyond military pathways and have contributed alumni to multiple professional sectors.
Officials and alumni attending the programme noted that institutions promoting discipline, civic responsibility and national integration continue to hold relevance amid changing educational and social landscapes.
The gathering also underscored the enduring alumni networks associated with Sainik Schools, many of which remain closely connected through regional and national chapters organising annual interactions and mentoring initiatives.
