My Path from Hoshiarpur to the Indian Army…
I was born on 25th November 1962 in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, while my parents were stationed in Gurdaspur. My father, a dedicated teacher in a government school, and my mother, the Headmistress of an Industrial School for girls in Pathankot, played a significant role in shaping my early life. In 1964, our family moved to Pathankot, where we settled on Old Shahpur Road, behind the Civil Hospital. This town became my home, a place where I spent my formative years.
My father, Dr. Narinder Nath Sharma, was an inspiring figure, holding a PhD in Linguistics. He retired as the Headmaster of a government school near Pathankot, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and discipline. From a young age, I was deeply influenced by his passion for education and his unwavering commitment to our family and community.
My early education took place at Pilot Model School, Saingarh, and Modern English School, Mission Road, Pathankot. These schools laid the foundation for my academic journey. In January 1972, I had the privilege of joining The Punjab Public School Nabha, a prestigious boarding school that would play a crucial role in my personal and academic development. My time at Nabha was marked by a strong focus on studies, but it was in sports where I truly found my stride. I had the honor of representing Punjab State in the Junior Nationals Swimming & Water polo Championships twice, in 1976 and 1977.
The desire to serve my country led me to the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, in January 1979. My time at NDA was both challenging and rewarding, as I honed the skills and discipline necessary for a military career. I was fortunate to earn a Blue in swimming and even won the Lake Swimming Championships twice during my training. These experiences not only tested my physical endurance but also instilled in me a deep sense of perseverance and determination. In December 1982, I realized my dream when I was commissioned into the 12th Battalion, the Dogra Regiment, after graduating from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. It was a proud moment, one that marked the beginning of my journey as an officer in the Indian Army.
Looking back, my journey from Hoshiarpur to the Indian Army has been one of growth, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Each step, each challenge, has shaped me into the person I am today.
My Journey of Leadership, Service, and Learning…
After being commissioned, I excelled in all the Army courses, earning an instructional grading and being recognized as the ‘Best Student’ in the prestigious Commando Course. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive operational and staff experience in various roles.
My career began with various prestigious appointments between 1988 and 2008, including instructional tenures at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and the Infantry School in Mhow, serving as a Military Observer and Military Information Officer in the UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission, and Deputy Assistant Adjutant & Quartermaster General of an Infantry Brigade. I also held positions as Colonel Quartermaster (Operations & Maintenance) of a newly raised Command Headquarters, Colonel General Staff of an active Counter Insurgency Force, and Deputy Commander of an Infantry Brigade. From 2001 to 2004, I commanded an Infantry Battalion in active Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East and along the western borders. This was followed by commanding an Infantry Brigade, from 2009 to 2011, on the active Line of Control in a high-altitude area with over 10,000 troops. From 2011 to 2014, I played a critical role in the evolution and establishment of the Indian National Defence University (INDU), managing everything from strategic concept development to policy training and land acquisition, leading up to the university’s inauguration by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
Between 2014 and 2015, I commanded a Mountain Division of over 20,000 troops in a challenging operational and insurgency area, where my development programs have since been used as manuals for future peace-building efforts. I then served as the Additional Director General of Staff Duties at Army Headquarters from 2016 to 2017, coordinating policy, training, and deployment of UN Contingents and Military Observers, while supporting global UN Peacekeeping training activities at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi. In my last appointment, from January 2018 to November 2020, I was as the Commandant and Chief Instructor at the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, where I was responsible for professional management training across various fields. I also oversaw the award of Master of Management Studies degrees and Ph.D. programs in collaboration with Osmania University and served as a Distinguished Member of the All India Management Association.
My International Engagements & Recognitions…
My international engagements include serving as a Military Observer and Military Public Information Officer with the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) at Umm Qasr along the Iraq-Kuwait border, visiting the National Defense University (NDU) in the USA as part of a delegation led by the Chief of Integrated Staff to the Defence Services, and accompanying the Indian Defence Minister on an official delegation to South Korea. I also served as an External Examiner for Kenyatta University, evaluating their Military Science Programs at the Kenya Military Academy in Nakuru, Kenya. In 2016 and 2017, I was part of the delegation led by the Raksha Rajya Mantri for the United Nations Defense Ministerial Peacekeeping Conferences in London, UK, and Vancouver, Canada. Additionally, I led delegations to Russia in October 2018 and to the United States in October 2019 as part of the International Strategic Management Tours, where I coordinated meetings with the Moscow School of Economics and visited the UK’s Cranfield School of Management to establish a faculty exchange program. I also visited the USA’s Eisenhower School as the head of the delegation.
I am proud to have been awarded with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Chief of Air Staff Commendation, and Army Commander Commendation twice.
My Academic & Professional Achievements…
I have completed several prestigious courses throughout my military career, including the Infantry Young Officers Course (AX Instructor), Commando Course (Qualified Instructor and Best Student), Radio & Signal Officers Course (BX Instructor), Junior Staff Course (A), Battalion Support Weapons Officers Course (AY), Junior Command Course (B Instructor), and the Combat Team Commanders Course. Additionally, I earned the ‘Psc’ designation from the Defence Service Staff College Course and achieved distinction in the Long Defence Management Course. Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree (1981), a Master of Science in Defence Studies (1994), a Diploma in Senior Defence Management (1998), a Master of Management Studies (2005), and a Doctorate in Defence Studies (2009). I am also a qualified in Project Management with IPMA Level A certification.
I hold a postgraduate degree in Defence & Strategic Studies from Madras University, which I pursued after completing the DSSC Course at Wellington. Additionally, I obtained a Master of Management Studies from Osmania University following the Long Defence Management Course at the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad. I also hold a Doctorate in Defence and Strategic Studies, with my research focusing on a Conceptual Study of Manoeuvres in Modern Warfare. In 2013 and 2014, the Indian Army nominated me as an External Examiner at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, where I evaluated the Military Science programs conducted by the Kenya Military Academy in Nakuru.
Personal Life & Post-Retirement Engagements…
As a keen sportsman, I enjoy long-distance swimming and playing squash, tennis, and golf. I am happily married to Mrs. Veena Sharma. We have a daughter who works at Washington Hospital in San Francisco as an Applications Analyst, and a son who after graduating from IIT Guwahati has started his own startup, Black Coffee Robotics.
After retiring, I settled in Greater Noida and have become actively involved with the Centre for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS), an elite think tank. I dedicate my time to volunteer welfare activities, including advocating for the concerns of ex-servicemen, and contribute research articles to print media.