Colonel RS Jamwal, the Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports, has been honored with the prestigious MacGregor Memorial Medal for 2024. The accolade was presented to him by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan during a ceremony in the capital. This recognition celebrates Colonel Jamwal’s outstanding leadership and his operational reconnaissance accomplishments in extreme environments, representing a significant achievement for the Indian Army.
The MacGregor Memorial Medal, instituted in 1888 by the United Service Institution of India (USI), pays tribute to Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, a trailblazer in military exploration. As one of India’s most esteemed military honors, the medal is awarded in the fields of adventure, military reconnaissance, and exploration. In its 137-year history, only 127 medals have been bestowed, with 103 awarded before India gained independence.
Colonel Jamwal’s inclusion in this distinguished group of past recipients—such as Captain F.E. Younghusband in 1890 and Colonel Narinder Kumar, noted for his pioneering work in the Siachen Glacier area between 1978 and 1981—underscores his impactful contributions to enhancing the Indian Army’s mountaineering capabilities and adventure sports training initiatives.
The award ceremony took place in a formal setting embellished with national and military insignia, emphasizing the critical role of the United Service Institution of India in promoting research, training, and professional military education. Amid ongoing discussions regarding the institution’s future funding model, voices within the defense community have called for adjustments to ensure its adaptation to evolving strategic demands.
At the event, Colonel Jamwal was presented not only with the medal but also with a certificate and a commemorative plaque. His recognition is anticipated to motivate a new generation of soldiers and adventurers, strengthening the foundational values of courage, endurance, and innovation in their commitment to service.
