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