The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
The Lt General Prem Singh Bhagat Memorial Lecture was held on 16 December 2025 at the United Service Institution of India (USI), New Delhi, to honour the legacy of Lt Gen Prem Singh Bhagat, PVSM, VC, one of India’s most decorated military leaders and a symbol of exemplary leadership. The event brought together senior military leadership, strategic thinkers, scholars, and members of the defence fraternity to reflect on Lt Gen Bhagat’s contributions and to deliberate on contemporary strategic challenges facing India. The programme commenced with welcome remarks by Maj Gen B. K. Sharma, AVSM, SM (Retd), Director General, USI, he highlighted the relevance of Lt Gen Bhagat’s values and leadership ethos in today’s complex security environment. This was followed by introductory remarks by Lt Gen Vikas Rohella, SM, Engineer-in-Chief and Colonel Commandant of the Bombay Sappers, who spoke about Lt Gen Bhagat’s distinguished military career, his association with the Corps of Engineers, and his lasting impact on institutional leadership and operational excellence.
A documentary film on the life and legacy of Lt Gen Prem Singh Bhagat, PVSM, VC, was then screened. The film vividly captured his extraordinary gallantry, professional competence, and lifelong service to the nation, offering the audience an inspiring insight into his role as a soldier, commander, and leader. Following the screening, General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC (Retd), Former Chief of the Army Staff, delivered a special address. In his remarks, he underscored Lt Gen Bhagat’s exemplary leadership qualities, moral courage, and strategic vision, emphasising how his legacy continues to inspire successive generations of officers and men of the Indian Armed Forces. The keynote address was delivered by Shri Ram Madhav on the theme “Strategic Autonomy in a Fragmented World: India’s Way Forward.” His address provided a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the evolving global order, increasing geopolitical fragmentation, and the challenges and opportunities these dynamics present for India. He highlighted the importance of strategic autonomy as a cornerstone of India’s foreign and security policy, stressing the need for balanced partnerships, self-reliance, and principled decision-making in safeguarding national interests.
During the programme, Lt Gen Vikas Rohella, SM, formally announced the institution of the Lt Gen Prem Singh Bhagat Memorial Essay Writing Competition at USI. The initiative aims to encourage scholarly engagement, critical thinking, and research among young officers and scholars on issues of national security, leadership, and strategic affairs, thereby furthering Lt Gen Bhagat’s intellectual and professional legacy. The event also featured a special address by Mrs Ashali Verma, daughter of Lt Gen Prem Singh Bhagat, who shared personal recollections of her father and reflected on his values, dedication, and contributions to the nation and the Indian Army. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Maj Gen RS Yadav, VSM (Retd), Director, Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation, USI, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, guests, and participants for their presence and contributions, and reaffirmed USI’s commitment into fostering informed strategic discourse and honouring the legacy of India’s military stalwarts.