Kathmandu, June 23

Chief of Army Staff Gen Rajendra Chhetri today said the prime responsibility of the Nepali Army was to safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and national unity as directed by the Constitution of Nepal.

Addressing the closing ceremony of Serial No 4 Higher Command and Management Course held at Nepali Sainik War Collage, Nagarkot, he said, “The training has adequately prepared student officers to handle their responsibilities.” Gen Chhetri graced the ceremony as the chief guest. The three-month long course that started on March 16 was attended by 25 colonels of the Nepali Army.

He also congratulated all student officers and thanked the chief instructor, the commandant, directing staff and faculty members for all the hard work they put in. He reiterated his gratitude to various subject matter experts.

CoAS Gen Chhetri reminded that this course was started four years ago to enhance Professional Military Education and added that the course was designed to enable future military leaders to make effective decisions and sound plans, and guide their junior leaders in complex operating environments. He believed that the course has prepared officers adequately to meet all future challenges.

Chief instructor of the course Major Gen Sarad Giri delivered the welcome speech at the beginning of the ceremony. Former NA chiefs, general officers of NA, professor and subject-matter experts, joint secretary at the Ministry of Defence, high ranking officials of sister security organisations, faculty members and NA officers along with media personnel were also present at the programme.

CoAS Chhetri awarded the ‘Best Student Award’, certificate and cash prize of Rs 30,000 to Col Anup Jung Thapa who stood first in the course. Likewise, Col Santosh Ballav Paudel received cash prize of Rs 20,000 for best academic writing. CoAS Gen Chhetri also awarded certificates to all graduating student officers.