Munish Sood
MANDI:
Pride and jubilation swept through the region as Lt Commander Kshitij Vashisth, an alumnus of DAV Public School-Nerchowk in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, was conferred the prestigious ‘Mention-in-Despatches’ by President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of Independence Day.
The gallant Indian Navy officer, serving as the Captain of a Sea King helicopter, earned the rare honour for his exceptional courage and leadership during a daring search and rescue mission in the aftermath of the Godavari floods. Braving extreme weather, Lt Cdr Vashisth and his crew flew 120 nautical miles into challenging conditions to rescue 28 stranded civilians, upholding the finest traditions of the Indian Navy and service to the nation.
Alma mater celebrates achievement
The recognition has created an atmosphere of immense pride in his alma mater, DAV Public School-Nerchowk. Principal Prashant Sharma lauded the officer’s remarkable achievement, saying: “Lt Cdr Kshitij Vashisth’s courage and devotion to duty has brought glory not just to the Navy but also to our school and the entire Himachal Pradesh. He stands as a shining example for all our students. I am confident that he will continue to serve the nation with greater dedication, hard work and indomitable courage. His journey should inspire every student to dream big and work relentlessly towards building their future.”
Born to VP Vashisth, a retired Assistant Engineer with HPSEBL, and Mala Vashisth, a retired Treasury Officer, Kshitij hails from Chamunda Colony at Nerchowk.
A brilliant student since his early years, he secured the seventh position in the Himachal Pradesh Class 10 board merit list while studying at DAV-Nerchowk in 2008. He later completed his Class 12 from Him Academy, Hamirpur, again securing a place in the merit list.
A graduate in Civil Engineering from NIT-Hamirpur (2015), he joined the Navy the same year through the Short Service Commission under the University Entry Scheme (UES), being commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant. Currently, he serves as a Staff Pilot at the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam, in the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Lt Cdr Vashisth’s name features prominently among the gallantry and distinguished service awardees of the Indian Navy this Independence Day, alongside senior naval commanders decorated with honours such as Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Shaurya Chakra, Yudh Seva Medal and Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry).
