Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, the Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, recently addressed student officers participating in the South Western Command Professional Studies Course (SWCPSC) at the renowned 33rd Armoured Division, often referred to as the “Dot On Target” Division. In his engaging speech, Lt Gen Singh highlighted the critical need for striving towards excellence and achieving professional objectives, urging the officers to maintain the highest standards of military proficiency as they advance in their careers.
The 33rd Armoured Division, stationed at Hisar Military Station, plays a vital role within the Indian Army’s I Corps under the umbrella of the South Western Command. Established on November 15, 1982, the division has cultivated a rich historical legacy characterized by operational readiness and strategic significance. It comprises five key brigades: the 39th, 57th, and 88th Armoured Brigades, the 627th (Independent) Armoured Air Defence Brigade, and the 33rd Artillery Brigade. Each brigade contributes significantly to the division’s combat effectiveness and overall versatility.
Lt Gen Singh, who is an esteemed alumnus of both the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, was commissioned into the 19th Battalion of the Madras Regiment in December 1986. Over his commendable 37-year career in the military, he has occupied key command and staff positions across a variety of challenging terrains, including the tumultuous regions of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the Western Front.
His leadership pedigree includes pivotal roles such as commanding his battalion during counter-insurgency operations, leading an infantry brigade along the strategically sensitive Line of Control, directing an infantry division within the Desert Strike Corps, and overseeing a corps engaged in counter-insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. In recognition of his outstanding service and contributions, Lt Gen Singh has been awarded several prestigious honors including the Yudh Seva Medal in 2015, the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2019, and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024.
The South Western Command, also known as the Sapta Shakti Command, was instituted on April 15, 2005, with its headquarters located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Established to address emerging strategic challenges along India’s western boundaries, the command oversees various operational units, notably the X Corps and the 42nd Artillery Division, ensuring combat readiness and operational efficiency across its formations.
Lt Gen Singh’s recent interaction with the student officers is a testament to the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence. By sharing his extensive experience and valuable insights, he aims to inspire the next generation of military leaders, encouraging them to uphold the esteemed traditions and values of the Indian Armed Forces.
