TMU Organises 16th Leadership Talk Series with Lt Gen V. K. Chaturvedi: A Masterclass in Leadership Beyond Uniform
Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad, hosted the 16th session of its prestigious Leadership Talk Series (LTS) on 10 November 2025 at the University Auditorium. Themed “Leadership Beyond Uniform: Lessons from the Armed Forces for Professional Excellence,” the session was delivered by Lt Gen V. K. Chaturvedi, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd), a distinguished military leader and former Defence Banking Advisor to the State Bank of India.
The event marked a significant milestone in TMU’s mission to cultivate ethical, service-oriented, and visionary leaders capable of excelling across professional domains.
Inaugural Ceremony: Lamp Lighting to Invoke Wisdom and Inspiration
The programme commenced with the Lamp Lighting Ceremony, symbolising TMU’s belief in the transformative power of knowledge.
Dignitaries who jointly lit the ceremonial lamp included:
- Lt Gen V. K. Chaturvedi (Retd.)
- Prof. Manjula Jain – Dean Academics
- Prof. M. P. Singh – Dean Student Welfare
- Prof. Praveen Jain – Dean of Agriculture
- Prof. Ashu Mittal – Principal, Pharmacy
- Prof. Amit Kansal – Associate Dean Academics
The auditorium resonated with a sense of reverence, patriotism, and anticipation as the session formally began.
Felicitation of the Distinguished Guest
Following the inaugural ritual, TMU extended its warm appreciation to Lt Gen Chaturvedi.
Prof. Manjula Jain, representing the TMU fraternity, presented a bouquet and a memento to honour his exemplary service to the nation and his contribution to leadership development.
This gesture echoed the University’s vision to honour individuals who epitomise discipline, integrity, and selfless service.
Profile of the Speaker: Lt Gen V. K. Chaturvedi – A Leader Par Excellence
Lt Gen (Retd.) Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi is a towering figure in the Indian Armed Forces, with over four decades of national service. His decorated career includes:
- Director General (Manpower Planning & Personnel Services), Army HQ
- Executive Director (Deputy Commandant & Chief Instructor), School of Artillery, Deolali
- Additional Director General of Artillery
- Leadership roles during critical operations in Jammu & Kashmir, managing logistics for 1.83 lakh personnel
- Implementation of the AV Singh Committee recommendations
- Resolution of key Sixth Pay Commission anomalies
Awards received:
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
- Sena Medal (SM)
Post-retirement, he served as Advisor – Defence Banking at SBI, where he introduced innovative financial systems, including the Monthly Payment System and the Defence Salary Package.
An alumnus of the National Defence College, New Delhi, he holds advanced degrees in Defence Studies, Strategic Studies, and Management.
Session Insights: Leadership Lessons from the Armed Forces
Lt Gen Chaturvedi delivered an engaging and thought-provoking address that drew from battlefield experiences, strategic leadership roles, and decades of service.
Key Takeaways from the Session
- Discipline and Integrity
He highlighted that authentic leadership is rooted in discipline and moral courage, demonstrated even in unseen moments. - Adaptability and Decisiveness
Through military anecdotes, he illustrated the need for rapid decision-making in uncertain and high-pressure environments. - Teamwork, Trust, and Compassionate Command
The General emphasised that great leaders empower teams by valuing input, trusting capabilities, and standing by them in adversity. - Resilience and Emotional Strength
He urged students to develop mental fortitude, reminding them that “the greatest battles are often fought within.” - Service Before Self
He encapsulated the military ethos of placing collective welfare above personal interest, a principle transferable to all professions.
The audience was deeply engaged, with many students seeking guidance during the interactive Q&A on ethical decision-making and personal growth.
Memento Presentation
As a token of gratitude, Lt Gen Chaturvedi was presented with a memento by Prof. Manjula Jain, accompanied by senior academic leaders. The gesture reflected TMU’s appreciation for his inspiring contribution to the Leadership Talk Series.
Concluding Remarks by the Dean of Academics
In her concluding remarks, Prof. Manjula Jain expressed heartfelt gratitude to the General for bridging military wisdom with contemporary professional expectations. She reiterated that the session reinforced the importance of discipline, empathy, and purposeful action in leadership.
Vote of Thanks
Prof. M. P. Singh, Dean of Students’ Welfare, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed profound appreciation for the General’s transformative perspectives and acknowledged the exemplary efforts of Dr Neha Anand, Assistant Director – Academics, and the organising team for ensuring the success of the event.
Courtesy Calls with TMU Leadership
Meeting with Hon’ble Vice Chancellor
Lt Gen Chaturvedi met Prof. V. K. Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, who praised his lifelong service and his dedication to uplifting youth through leadership and values-based guidance. The interaction focused on synergies between military leadership and academic excellence.
Meeting with Hon’ble Chancellor and Executive Director
He also met Shri Suresh Jain, Hon’ble Chancellor, and Shri Akshat Jain, Executive Director.
The leaders lauded his distinguished career, strategic insight, and inspiring address that aligned military ethos with principles of professional excellence and human values. They also expressed interest in future collaborations on leadership development and nation-building initiatives.
Conclusion
The 16th Leadership Talk Series at TMU was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on the students, faculty, and university leadership. Lt Gen V. K. Chaturvedi’s address illuminated the values of discipline, empathy, integrity, and service, reinforcing TMU’s mission to nurture responsible, ethical, and visionary leaders.
With sessions like these, TMU continues to strengthen its commitment to moulding future professionals who not only excel in their careers but also uphold the highest standards of character and humanity.
