Mhow, Madhya Pradesh: The Army War College (AWC) in Mhow held a solemn dedication ceremony to inaugurate its newly constructed auditorium, named in honor of Maj Gen Onkar Singh Kalkat, PVSM, the institution’s founding Commandant.
The ceremony paid tribute to one of the Indian Army’s most distinguished military leaders, whose vision and leadership helped shape the premier professional military education institution into what it is today.
Honoring a Founding Visionary
Maj Gen Kalkat (1917/1918–2004) served in both the British Indian Army and later the Indian Army, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional service and strategic foresight. He was the first Commandant of the College of Combat, established in 1971 at Mhow — the predecessor to the Army War College. The institution was officially renamed as the Army War College in 2003.
A veteran of the Burma campaign during World War II, the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War, and the 1971 war, Maj Gen Kalkat is particularly remembered for his early warnings regarding tribal invasion plans in Kashmir in 1947. In recognition of his exemplary service to the nation, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), one of India’s highest peacetime military honors.
Military historians and officers often credit his foundational leadership for laying the intellectual and doctrinal groundwork of the College of Combat, which later evolved into the Army War College — now a premier training and research center for senior Indian Army officers.
Family Presence Adds Emotional Significance
The dedication ceremony at the prestigious Mhow campus was graced by Maj Gen Kalkat’s daughter, who attended as the Chief Guest. Her presence brought a deeply personal dimension to the occasion, symbolizing the enduring connection between the Kalkat family and the institution her father helped establish.
Senior officers, faculty members, trainees, and invited guests attended the event, which highlighted the importance of honoring military pioneers whose contributions continue to influence generations of leaders.
Celebrating Legacy and Tradition
The event concluded with a stirring Brass Band Concert performed by Indian Army regimental bands. The performance resonated across the campus, reflecting the rich traditions, discipline, and indomitable spirit of the armed forces.
The naming of the auditorium after Maj Gen Onkar Singh Kalkat stands as a lasting tribute to the values of dedication, foresight, and selfless service that define the Indian Army’s highest ideals.
As the Army War College continues to train senior officers through rigorous academic and operational programs, the new auditorium will serve not only as a modern facility but also as a symbolic reminder of the visionary leadership that built the institution’s strong foundation.
