GUWAHATI: The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, on Saturday honoured retired Colonel Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya of Assam with a Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card and Medal at an official ceremony in Tezpur.
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Presenting the award, General Dwivedi praised Col. Bhattacharya's lifelong commitment to the nation, noting that even after retirement, he continues to exemplify the values of duty, integrity, and professional excellence. The Army Chief called his contributions to the country's progress invaluable and said he had set a remarkable precedent for veterans and citizens alike.
Col. Bhattacharya served the Indian Army for over 33 years, earning distinction at every stage of his career. He became the first person from Assam to secure All India Rank-1 in the UPSC National Defence Academy examination.
During service, Col. Bhattacharya was deployed in operational areas along both the Pakistan and China borders and participated in Operation Rakshak in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as Operation Parakram. He also topped the prestigious Senior Officers Course and served on deputation as a Director in the Border Roads Organisation.
After retiring from the Army, Col. Bhattacharya channelled his energies into public service. He practises as an Advocate at the Gauhati High Court and teaches as a Professor of Practice at Arya Vidyapeeth College in Guwahati. He founded the Dibya Shankar Foundation, which mentors young aspirants from the North East, particularly Assam, who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces.
His work has guided many towards careers in defence services. Earlier this year, he was also conferred the Sarvottam Sadhna Award 2026 by Assam Live.
Col. Bhattacharya is the youngest son of Late Gauri Shankar Bhattacharya, a celebrated political activist, legal luminary, and litterateur of Assam. The honour from the Army Chief is widely seen as recognition of a life devoted entirely to national service.