Army Day 2026 witnessed a remarkable recognition of innovation, perseverance, and national commitment as IIT Madras scholar and technologist Rishabh Vashistha was conferred the prestigious Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Commendation.

The COAS Commendation is one of the Indian Army’s most respected honors, reserved for individuals whose contributions significantly strengthen India’s national security ecosystem. For Rishabh Vashistha, the award symbolizes more than professional achievement it reflects a life guided by a powerful principle: the nation always comes before comfort.

A Journey Defined by Purpose

Rishabh’s professional journey could have easily followed the conventional path of global success. With opportunities from leading multinational technology firms and a rapidly scaling career in the technology domain, he stood at the threshold of international expansion.

Entrepreneurial prospects were strong, and relocating abroad was a realistic and lucrative possibility.

However, for Rishabh, professional growth was meaningful only if aligned with national service and strategic impact. While his family initially envisioned a high-growth global career for him, they soon recognized his deeper calling.

His elder brother, Mohit Vashistha, became a pillar of support during years when the outcome of this unconventional path remained uncertain. That unwavering belief provided the foundation for a journey that demanded extraordinary resilience.

IIT Madras, Deep Technology, and Defense Innovation

Rishabh Vashistha currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of ShunyAnantam Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a defense-focused deep-tech startup.

The company was co-founded alongside:

• Aashay Doshi – CEO and IIT Madras alumnus
  
• Prof. Ranjith M. – Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras
  
• Prof. Chandrashekhar L. – Department of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, IIT Madras
  

Incubated at the IIT Madras Incubation Cell, the startup is developing a universal autonomy, artificial intelligence, and software stack for UAVs and cyber-physical systems.

As an IIT Madras scholar, Rishabh developed interdisciplinary expertise spanning:

• Artificial Intelligence
  
• Autonomous Systems
  
• Software Engineering
  
• Defense Technology
  

His work transitioned from theoretical research to applied systems with real operational relevance.

Through continuous collaboration with AgniShodh – the IIT Madras–Indian Army Research Centre, Rishabh has worked closely with the Indian Army on specialized defense projects focused on indigenous technological capability and strategic autonomy.

The Sacredness of the Uniform: 27 SSB Attempts

Perhaps the most striking dimension of Rishabh’s story is his unwavering pursuit of service in the armed forces.

Over a period of 12 years, he appeared for the Services Selection Board (SSB) 27 times, reaching the conference stage 11 times.

These numbers reflect a level of mental resilience rarely seen among defense aspirants.

Reflecting on his journey, Rishabh often says:

“The uniform has always been sacred to me. Even when selection did not come, the intent to serve never faded. Service does not end with rejection it simply finds another route.”

That route ultimately manifested through technology, innovation, and national contribution.

The COAS Commendation stands as a powerful validation that scholarship translated into service can become a formidable pillar of national security.

Mentorship and the Character Behind the Scholar

While family gave him strength, mentorship helped shape his character and direction.

A defining influence in his journey has been Col Rajeev Bharwan (Retd.), founder of Soldier Unplugged, who played the role of a guiding father figure. His mentorship instilled the discipline, humility, and leadership ethos that characterize Rishabh today.

Rishabh’s strategic perspective has also been shaped under the mentorship of Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha (Retd.), former NSCS defense specialist and founder of the Chakra Dialogues Foundation (CDF).

At the foundation, Rishabh serves as Head of the Youth Wing, working to nurture strategic thinking and national consciousness among young professionals.

A Scholar, Builder, and Servant-Leader

Despite opportunities for international expansion and corporate success, Rishabh Vashistha remains deeply anchored to his core belief: service to the nation must always come first.

The COAS Commendation awarded on Army Day 2026 is not merely a professional milestone. It is the culmination of a journey defined by persistence, purpose, and a relentless commitment to national security.

Rishabh Vashistha stands today as a rare example of a mission-first technologist  a scholar who chose service over comfort, and purpose over prestige.

Credits

Indian Army
AgniShodh – IIT Madras–Indian Army Research Centre
IIT Madras Incubation Cell
Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras
Chakra Dialogues Foundation
Soldier Unplugged

Chandigarh, India: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Advocate Priya Legha, a respected legal professional and candidate in the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana elections, extended warm wishes to women advocates and professionals across the legal fraternity.

Highlighting the importance of women’s participation in the legal system, Priya Legha emphasized that women advocates continue to play a crucial role in strengthening the justice system and promoting equality in the profession.

She noted that the legal community has witnessed increasing participation from women lawyers over the years, contributing significantly to the development of legal practice and judicial thought in India.

Women’s Leadership in the Legal Profession

Speaking about the evolving role of women in the judiciary and legal practice, Advocate Priya Legha said that empowering women in the legal profession is essential for building a progressive and balanced justice system.

“Women advocates bring dedication, compassion, and strong professional commitment to the legal profession. Their growing presence reflects the progress our society is making toward equality and justice,” she said.

She also encouraged young women lawyers to pursue excellence in their careers and actively participate in shaping the future of the legal fraternity.

Voting Slip Access for Bar Council Elections

In preparation for the Bar Council elections, Priya Legha also informed advocates about a dedicated digital platform where voters can easily access their voting slip online.

Advocates can check their voting slip by visiting the following link:

👉 Voting Slip Portal:
https://votingslipbcph.in

By entering their name or serial number, advocates can quickly locate their voting details, making the election process more convenient and transparent.

Priya Legha has urged all members of the legal community to actively participate in the election process and contribute to strengthening representation within the Bar.

Support for Ballot Number 137

Advocate Priya Legha is contesting the Bar Council election on Ballot Number 137. She expressed gratitude to members of the legal fraternity for their encouragement and support.

She reiterated her commitment to working for the welfare of advocates, improving professional opportunities, and strengthening unity within the legal community.

Connect with Advocate Priya Legha

For updates and information, advocates can connect through the following platforms:

🔗 Voting Slip Portal:
https://votingslipbcph.in

🔗 Facebook:
(Add Facebook profile link here)

🔗 Instagram:
(Add Instagram profile link here)

About Priya Legha

Advocate Priya Legha is a legal professional associated with the legal fraternity of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. She has been actively engaged in legal practice and continues to advocate for stronger representation, professional development, and unity among members of the bar.

New Delhi, India: Bookspot Publishers proudly unveiled its latest literary offering, “ Ache & The Glow”, authored by DARSHIKA JAIN, at the Delhi World Book Fair 2026. The launch event, held in the presence of an enthusiastic audience of readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts, marked a memorable moment in the fair’s vibrant celebration of books and ideas.

The Delhi World Book Fair, one of Asia’s largest literary gatherings, provided the perfect stage for the introduction of “Ache & The Glow “. Known for bringing together publishers, authors, and book lovers from across the globe, the fair offered an atmosphere charged with creativity and dialogue. Against this backdrop, DARSHIKA JAIN’s book stood out as a bold new contribution to contemporary literature.

During the launch, DARSHIKA JAIN shared insights into the creative journey behind “Ache & The Glow “, highlighting its distinctive narrative style and the themes that challenge readers to reflect on modern life and thought. The audience engaged with the author in an interactive session, gaining a deeper appreciation of the inspiration and vision that shaped the book.

Bookspot Publishers emphasized that the release of “Ache & The Glow “ reflects its mission to nurture diverse voices and deliver works that resonate with today’s readers. The event not only showcased the book but also reinforced the publishing house’s commitment to fostering meaningful storytelling and expanding its footprint in India’s literary ecosystem.

The Delhi World Book Fair 2026 continues to be a hub of cultural exchange, attracting global participation and offering a platform for new ideas. The launch of “Ache & The Glow “ at this prestigious event underscores Bookspot Publisher’s dedication to connecting authors with audiences who value literature as a force for dialogue and discovery.

The Delhi World Book Fair 2026 is a landmark cultural event, held annually to celebrate the power of literature and ideas. Now in its 53rd edition, the fair has grown into one of Asia’s largest literary gatherings, drawing authors, publishers, and readers from around the world. More than just a book exhibition, it serves as a vibrant platform for dialogue, creativity, and global exchange, making it a truly special occasion for both seasoned writers and emerging voices to connect with diverse audiences.

About the Book

Ache  and  the  Glow isn’t  just  a  collection  of  poems  but  the emotions I carried for many years. It was born out of nights filled with tears, silence, and finally hope. Each poem in this collection is a reflection of how love, loss, and healing often coexist, how something broken can still shine. Writing Ache and the  glow  was  never  about  perfection  but  about  healing,  and finding myself.

Some poems ache

Some poems heal,

Some simply exist.

This book is divided into two parts:

―Echoes of Feelings‖ explores the ache, the pain, the insecurities, the quiet battles we hide.

―An Anthology Called You‖ celebrates the glow, the tenderness, the beauty of connection, and the magic of being understood.

These poems aren’t just stories I wrote; they are fragments I lived, I  think  it’s  evident.  They  are  the  words  I  had  when  I  needed comfort, and perhaps, they’ll become the words you need today. If you have ever felt too much, loved too deeply, or broken quietly, I hope these verses remind you that you’re not alone.

Always  remember  to  love  yourself  and  never  underestimate yourself and yourself, because it’s important to fall in love with yourself, before you fall for someone else. Maybe you will fly in love.

— Darshika Jain

I find peace in the cold winds of the mountains and in the blue waves of the sea

There lies my solace, wild and free, and deeper still in his eyes .

Darshika Jain is an emerging poet and dreamer  who finds beauty in words, silence, and small moments. Ache and the Glow is her debut poetry collection, a journey through heartbreak, hope, and healing.

Follow my journey on Instagram _novelomatic_

About Bookspot Publishers

Bookspot Publishers is committed to delivering high-quality, credible, and accessible literary and professional content. With a strong focus on meaningful storytelling, emerging voices, and contemporary themes, the publishing house creates books that inform, inspire, and connect with readers across diverse genres.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Bookspot Publishers
Email: [thebookspotpublishers@gmail.com]

Website: [www.Bookspotpublishers.com]

Phone No: [+91 9784010049]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookspotpublishers?igsh=MW9jN21oZTBmdTdueg==