The Investiture and Pipping Ceremony held at Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) took place on September 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the University's headquarters in Sector-9, Dwarka, New Delhi, in an atmosphere filled with pride, discipline and a strong sense of national spirit. The main event of the ceremony was the conferment of the rank of Honorary Colonel upon Prof. (Dr.) Ashok K. Nagawat, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of DSEU, by the NCC Directorate, Delhi, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Maj. Gen. Ravinder Kumar, SM, VSM, ADG, NCC Directorate Delhi. Key dignitaries Group Commander Grp-B NCC, Brigadier P.S. Chhonkar, SM,VSM & Commanding Officer, 2 Delhi Bn, NCC Colonel Karan Mehta The ceremony was also graced by Prof. (Dr.) Abha Jain Nagawat, First Lady of the University, who joined the proceedings.
The ceremony brought together the University's leadership, distinguished guests, representatives from the NCC, faculty members and students to celebrate the spirit of leadership and service and to encourage young people to make a meaningful contribution to the nation.
The ceremony began with the customary welcome of the distinguished guests, who were presented with plant saplings as a symbol of growth, responsibility and a sustainable future.
At the ceremony, the Honorary Colonel rank was conferred by the NCC Directorate, Delhi upon Prof. (Dr.) Ashok K. Nagawat, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of DSEU, in acknowledgement of his leadership and his long association with the principles of discipline and service. He is a distinguished figure in education, administration and thought, with nearly four decades of experience in teaching, research and leadership in higher education. During his career, he has carried out extensive work in Theoretical High Energy Physics, Cosmology, Computational Science and Converging Technologies and has taught advanced subjects including Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, the Theory of Relativity, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing. His contributions to education have been based on a firm dedication to academic excellence, visionary leadership and skill-based learning.
In a highly reflective speech, the Vice-Chancellor referred to his own experiences within the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the way it contributed to the development of his character. Beginning with Vande Mataram, he outlined a journey from the past through the present and towards the future, recalling his time as a cadet in the NCC Naval Wing from 1972 to 1975. He recalled participating in parades on Independence Day and Republic Day to illustrate how the NCC instils values that remain relevant throughout a person's life.
He stressed that discipline, unity and the spirit of service are not merely qualities required during a cadet's time in the NCC; rather, they gradually become part of a person's personality. He urged students to recognise that the lessons they are learning today may not always seem immediately important, but their real significance becomes clear over time, as they influence the way a person thinks, acts and contributes to society.
The speech also stressed the role of today's young people in nation-building and urged students to cultivate entrepreneurship, leadership, discipline and disaster-management skills. A strong framework emerging from the speech was:
Need → Skill → Serve → Innovate
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that education should not stop at the acquisition of knowledge; students should use their knowledge to serve society and create solutions. This was reinforced through the message: “Are you a better person than you were yesterday?”
He stated that discipline and knowledge come with responsibility and should never be misused, but instead transformed into positive action, leadership and service. The speech ended with a vibrant expression of “Jai Hind”, urging the cadets to remain courageous and regard every experience as an opportunity for growth.
The address by Maj. Gen. Ravinder Kumar, SM, VSM, was one of the key highlights of the event. Speaking about the importance of the Academy and the NCC, he stressed the fundamental principle of: “Service Before Self.”
He emphasised that the central purpose of joining the NCC and undergoing its training is to cultivate a mindset characterised by selfless service, responsibility and commitment. The message extended beyond military service and was especially pertinent to the students at DSEU. The cadets were urged to understand that leadership does not consist merely of holding a position, but of accepting responsibility and placing a greater purpose before personal interests.
The focus on discipline, knowledge, courage and service closely aligned with the University's aim of preparing students to become responsible professionals and citizens. His interaction with the cadets also highlighted the value of learning from experience and carrying the values of the NCC into everyday life.
Following the singing of the NCC song, a group photograph was taken, with the NCC cadets assembling first, followed by the DSEU dignitaries, faculty and staff members.
The programme concluded with a plantation carried out by the Chief Guest, Maj. Gen. Ravinder Kumar, SM, VSM, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok K. Nagawat, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of DSEU along with Prof. (Dr.) Abha Jain Nagawat, First Lady of the University, symbolising growth, responsibility and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
Across the different addresses, a common message emerged: leadership is developed through discipline, knowledge, unity and service. The ceremony reminded students that the values acquired through the NCC and institutional education extend well beyond the classroom or parade ground; they shape individuals who are able to take responsibility, work together, respond to challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Investiture and Pipping Ceremony therefore represented more than the formal recognition of cadets; it stood as a symbol of the University's commitment to producing young people who are ready to lead, serve, innovate and contribute to nation-building.
From DSEU Dr. Pankaj lathar, Director-PR, Prof. Kamna Sachdeva, Director-Academics, Dr. Narayan Aggaarwal, Campus Director, Mr. Shyam Mohan Parashar, DSW and many other key stakeholders like COE, Deans, HOD’s, Campus Directors and other staff members were present
“Act with discipline, take charge with a sense of responsibility, and study with a clear purpose.”
