Admiral Krishna Swaminathan: A Milestone for the Ajeets

The 1962 Indo-China war was a wake-up call for India. Among its many lessons was the need to build a pipeline of future military leaders. Defence Minister V.K. Krishna Menon responded by establishing Sainik Schools across the country to identify talent early and prepare young Indians for entry into the National Defence Academy. One of those institutions was Sainik School Bijapur in Karnataka, spread across more than 430 acres and built with the support of the state and Union governments. Over six decades, it has trained generations of young cadets in discipline, leadership, scholarship and service to the nation.

The curriculum and training at Sainik School Bijapur are modelled on the National Defence Academy. Today, the school educates over 650 students, including girls. Its motto, “Ajeet Hai Abheet Hai” (“Invincible and Fearless”), gives every cadet a common identity as an “Ajeet.”

Illustrious School

I was fortunate to gain admission through the school’s national entrance examination, joining hundreds of young aspirants from across India. Many of us were National Merit Scholars from modest backgrounds - children of teachers, farmers and government employees. From the age of ten, we were shaped by dedicated teachers, instructors and military staff who instilled discipline, leadership, physical endurance and a spirit of service.

The school functioned as a miniature NDA. Leadership qualities were identified early, with the most capable cadets appointed as school captains, house captains and prefects. Over seven or eight formative years, we were trained to lead, compete and excel. Many of those chosen for leadership roles went on to join the National Defence Academy, while others entered the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy or Officers Training Academy after graduation.

For more than six decades, generations of Ajeets have shared the same traditions, values and training ethos, creating a bond that transcends age and time.

Many alumni went on to excel at the nation's premier military institutions, with some earning the coveted Sword of Honour. Yet beyond individual achievements, what binds generations of Ajeets is a shared experience. For over six decades, cadets have lived by the same routines, traditions and values. Whether one meets a senior or junior Ajeet for the first time, the conversation inevitably turns to familiar anecdotes, shared memories and the unique culture that has endured across generations.

It was therefore with immense pride that Ajeets across the world watched Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assume office as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff on May 31, 2026. He became the first alumnus of Sainik School Bijapur to reach the highest office in the Indian Navy. I was privileged to witness the investiture ceremony at South Block in New Delhi.

For most Indians, the appointment marked the elevation of a distinguished naval officer to the nation’s highest naval command. For Ajeets - past and present - it carried a deeper significance. It represented the fulfilment of a vision that began more than six decades ago and demonstrated that a young boy entering Sainik School Bijapur could aspire to lead one of the world’s largest navies. Admiral Swaminathan’s achievement has broken a historic barrier and will undoubtedly inspire many more Ajeets in the years ahead.

Since its founding in 1963, Sainik School Bijapur has produced an extraordinary galaxy of leaders. Its alumni have risen to become Vice Chiefs of Staff, Army Commanders, Lieutenant Generals, Vice Admirals, Air Vice Marshals and numerous other senior officers in the armed forces and public service.

Distinguished Alumni

Among its most distinguished sons was the late Vir Chakra awardee Colonel M.B. Ravindranath, a Kargil War hero and my batchmate from the Class of 1976. During Operation Vijay, his battalion played a pivotal role in the capture of Tololing on June 13, 1999, a victory that marked a crucial turning point in the conflict. His courage and leadership remain part of the proud legacy of Sainik School Bijapur.

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan’s journey represents the very vision that inspired the creation of Sainik Schools. Born to a family of educators and admitted to Sainik School Bijapur as a young cadet in 1977, he exemplifies how these institutions were designed to identify talent from ordinary Indian families and prepare future leaders for national service. An outstanding student, he distinguished himself in academics, sports and co-curricular activities, and was eventually appointed School Captain - a role that reflected the leadership qualities his teachers recognised at an early age.

Swaminathan has often acknowledged that the values, discipline and character forged in Sainik School Bijapur at a young age, laid the foundation for his remarkable career. It was during his recent visit to the school to motivate young cadets to join the armed forces, Swaminathan made this statement. I am certain that his becoming the CNS will inspire a generation of cadets – boys and girls - to see him as their role model and to try and emulate his achievements.

True to the objectives of the SSBJ, Swaminathan joined the National Defence Academy and passed out of the academy with flying colours. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. Admiral Swaminathan has befittingly earned an exceptional career in the Navy, spanning nearly four decades.

Humility Personified

A specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he commanded some of the Navy's most important fighting platforms, including INS Vidyut, INS Vinash, INS Kulish, INS Mysore and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. He has also held several critical leadership appointments including Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Personnel, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. He is also the recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.

I had the opportunity to meet Admiral Swaminathan on several occasions, particularly during his postings in Mumbai. What has always stood out is not his rank or accomplishments, but his humility. Despite reaching the highest levels of military leadership, he never carried himself with the weight of office. At gatherings of Ajeets, he was simply one among us, always generous in acknowledging the role of his teachers, friends and the institution that shaped him.

I recall working with him during the organisation of an Ajeets’ golf tournament in Mumbai. What impressed many of us was not merely the efficiency with which the event was planned, but the care he took to ensure that every participant and accompanying family felt welcomed and looked after. It was a small but revealing example of a leadership style rooted in consideration for others.

There was never any need to remind anyone of his rank. His authority came not from the insignia on his uniform, but from the dignity, warmth and respect with which he treated people.

As Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumes command of the Indian Navy, Ajeets across generations have reason to celebrate. Not simply because he is the first Chief from Sainik School Bijapur, but because his journey vindicates the founding vision of the Sainik School movement: that talent can be found in every corner of India and that institutions built on merit, discipline and service can produce leaders of the highest calibre. A young boy who entered Sainik School Bijapur in 1977 now leads the Indian Navy. His achievement will inspire countless cadets who follow in his footsteps. Congratulations, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, and best wishes for a successful tenure as Chief of the Naval Staff.

(The author is a prominent Indian criminal defense lawyer and Senior Advocate based in Mumbai. Views personal.)