Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, recently visited the Rashtriya Military School (RMS) in Belagavi, where he commended the institution’s robust infrastructure, training ethos, and significant role in developing disciplined, future-ready leaders. This visit underscored the continuing relevance of military schools within India’s defense education landscape.
During his inspection of the facilities, Lt Gen Seth evaluated the school’s modern academic and physical training infrastructure. He praised the dedication of faculty and administrative staff in fostering an environment conducive to holistic cadet development, equipping them for potential future roles in both military and civilian spheres. His visit served to reaffirm the Southern Command’s commitment to enhancing foundational institutions that play a crucial role in the Army’s long-term human resource development.
Rashtriya Military School, originally established in the early 20th century as King George’s Royal Indian Military School and rebranded in 2007, has historically focused on training generations of leaders imbued with values of discipline, integrity, and service. Notably, the school opened its doors to civilian students in 1952, and its recent inclusion of girl cadets marks a progressive shift towards inclusive military education. An interaction with female cadets during his visit stood out, where Lt Gen Seth praised their tenacity and resilience, reflecting the evolving ethos of gender diversity and equal opportunity within the Army.
Additionally, the General Officer honored outstanding cadets for their achievements in academics and extracurricular activities, reiterating the importance of well-rounded excellence. This acknowledgment is in line with the school’s long-held motto, “Sheelem Param Bhushanam” (Character is the Highest Virtue), which has been a guiding principle since 1966.
Assuming his command of the Indian Army’s Southern Command on July 1, 2024, following a notable tenure as Army Commander of the South Western Command, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth’s visit to RMS Belagavi—one of India’s five premier Rashtriya Military Schools—demonstrates the Army’s continuous commitment to fostering leadership from grassroots levels. This steadfast approach aims to ensure that the values of courage, service, and integrity are upheld and carried forward into the future.