Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 10 Oct: Welham Boys‘ School proudly convened the Tenth Edition of its Military History Seminar – A Welham Initiative, on Friday, 9 October and Saturday, 10 October 2026. This two-day gathering assembled distinguished military commanders, revered veterans, scholars, members of the press and civil society, along with over 350 students from 33 schools throughout India, for a profound engagement with the nation’s military history and the lessons it imparts for today and tomorrow.
The Opening Ceremony was graced by Gen Anil Chauhan (Retd), former Chief of Defence Staff and Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), as the Chief Guest. He congratulated the school for the initiative and presented his authored books to the School Captain. Calling the seminar a festival, he said that dharma is not a religion but a way of life, and urged citizens to raise awareness to safeguard the nation. He also spoke about the Western Sector during the ’71 War across various domains, including the Battle of Longewala.
The Tenth Edition of the seminar, themed “Western Sector — ‘71 War,” examined the geography, strategic objectives and military planning behind operations on India’s Western Front. Day 1 covered operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, honouring heroes such as 2/Lt Arun Khetarpal, PVC (Posthumous), and Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC (Posthumous), along with the valour shown at sea. Syndicates on the Battles of Chamb, Basantar and Longewala were held, and the day closed with a Fireside Chat, moderated by Shreya Dhoundial, Executive Editor, Times Network, on General’s Jottings Rearmed by Lt Gen (Dr) KJ Singh (Retd). Day 2 focused on Indian Air Force, Naval and Para operations, with syndicates on the Chachro Raid, Operation Trident, Operation Falcon and Air Force operations, while delegates also showcased their artistic skills through an Art Exhibition and viewed a Display of Army Weapons and Equipment, facilitated by 3 Naga.
The Closing Ceremony was presided over by Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh (Retd). He commended Welham for its holistic development, strong alumni and the discipline and management behind the seminar, urging every school and college in India to imbibe such exposure. He stressed that students must learn military history, human behaviour, psychology, operational planning, logistics, discipline, consequences, preparedness and resilience. War, he noted, is an extension of politics, and every citizen is a soldier bound by the 11 Fundamental Duties to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country. The two-day seminar came to its close with the ceremonial marching by contingents from the Welham Boys’ School, Him Jyoti School, Unison World School and NCC cadets from 29 UK Battalion.
Since its inception, the Seminar has grown into a distinctive national-level school initiative, bringing together students from across India with veterans and experts who have lived, studied and documented the nation’s military history. The tenth edition marked a significant milestone in that journey, reaffirming Welham Boys‘ School‘s commitment to nurturing historical awareness, leadership and responsible citizenship.
