Bijapur Sainik School shaped my life, career: Vice Admiral

Vijayapura: The elevation of Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of Naval Staff has brought immense pride and celebration to Sainik School Bijapur, where the officer spent his formative years and laid the foundation for his distinguished naval career.An alumnus of the 1983 batch, Krishna Swaminathan will assume office as the Chief of Naval Staff on May 31, 2026, becoming the first person from Karnataka to head the Indian Navy. Karnataka had earlier produced legendary military leaders such as Field Marshal KM Cariappa,General KS Thimmayya and General GG Bewoor who brought immense honour to the nation through their distinguished service in the Indian Army.Born to teachers D Swaminathan and Shanta Swaminathan in Bengaluru, he completed his primary education at Bishop Cotton Boys' School, before joining Sainik School Bijapur in 1977. Former students of the school, popularly known as "Ajeets", described his elevation as a proud moment for the institution. Alumni said the discipline, leadership training and values imparted at Sainik School played a decisive role in shaping Krishna into one of the country's finest naval officers.International Ajeets president and retired IPS officer Gopal Hosur recalled Krishna as a humble yet exceptionally professional officer. He said Krishna's leadership qualities and organisational abilities were visible even during alumni events organised in Mumbai.Senior advocate Satish Maneshindhe, another alumnus of the school, said Krishna had displayed leadership traits from his student days itself. "He was an all-rounder and school captain, a position given only to the best performer. Even then, it was clear that he was destined for greater responsibilities," he said. Maneshindhe said there were several indications in recent years that Krishna Swaminathan would rise to the Navy's top post. He recalled that while serving as Vice Admiral of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai, Krishna stayed at the iconic official residence near the Gateway of India, a residence associated with several officers who later became Navy chiefs. He also pointed out that Krishna frequently accompanied the defence minister on foreign tours, reflecting the confidence the Govt of India had in him. "That itself showed the trust reposed in him and indicated that he was being groomed for the top responsibility," Maneshindhe said. Recalling an alumni golf tournament in Mumbai, he added, "At that time itself I had said Krishna would become the Chief of Naval Staff, and today that has come true," he said.Krishna Swaminathan himself has repeatedly acknowledged the role of Sainik School Bijapur in his journey. In a letter written to a junior in March 1984, shortly after passing out, he described the institution as "dearer to us than our very homes" and credited it for his knowledge, education and values. Speaking to TOI, the ViceAdmiral said the school instilled integrity, honesty and commitment towards national service among students. "Sainik School Bijapur taught us to place the nation and the organisation above personal interests. The ethos of the Indian Navy is the same," he said, while also expressing gratitude to his parents for their guidance and support. Alumni and staff members said Krishna Swaminathan's rise to the top naval post stands as a testimony to the institution's legacy of nurturing discipline, leadership and patriotism among young cadets.