Thakur Randhir Vikram Singh

Born on March 22, 1954, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Thakur Randhir Vikram Singh was a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, educated at Mayo College, Ajmer, and later specialized in painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University of Baroda, Gujarat.

Thakur Randhir Vikram Singh revolutionized tourism in the Shekhawati region, putting Mandawa on the global tourism map, and in 1979 he established India's first heritage hotel, by transforming the 300 -year- old Castle Mandawa. He also managed Hotel Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur, a heritage property built in 1896, and held key positions in the Indian Heritage Hotels Association, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan. As ex-convener of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Rajasthan Panel on Tourism & Heritage, he spearheaded initiatives to promote Rajasthan's tourism potential.

His tenure as ex-director of Rajasthan Ganganagar Sugar Mills, a government undertaking, established his capacity to drive growth in the public sector.

A devoted advocate for education, Thakur Randhir Vikram Singh served on the Mayo College Board for nearly three decades, chairing both the Estate and Legal Committee as well as the Mayo College Committee, where he played an instrumental role in formulating the Master Plan for the three schools and steering preparations for commemorating the 150th year of Mayo College.

Through his transformative work, Thakur Randhir Vikram Singh blended heritage conservation with modern hospitality, creating a sustainable model of economic and cultural enrichment that has left an indellible mark on Rajasthan's cultural landscape.

Beyond his professional achievements, Thakur Randhir Vikram Singh was a beloved gentleman and a devoted family man, cherished by all who knew him.

For his exemplary contributions to heritage tourism and education, visionary leadership, enduring commitment to his alma mater, and lasting impact on the local community Thakur Randhir Vikram Singh ji is being posthumously conferred the JTM Gibson Excellence Award for the Year 2024.

Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, AVSM, SM

Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, AVSM, SM, an alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer (1975-1984), is a distinguished Indian Army officer with a career spanning nearly four decades. After excelling in academics and sports, he joined the National Defence Academy, where he was the Academy Cadet Captain, and later earned the Sword of Honour at the Indian Military Academy. Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1987, he has held key appointments, including Brigadier General Staff of a Strike Corps and Major General General Staff at a Command Headquarters. Known for his operational expertise, he has commanded an Armoured Regiment, an Infantry Division, and an Army Corps, earning the Sena Medal for gallantry in counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir.

Internationally, he represented India in Bhutan and at the United Nations Mission in Congo, earning the UN Force Commander’s Appreciation. Academically accomplished, he holds advanced degrees in Defence Studies, Management, and Public Administration and has received several commendations, including the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2022. As the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command since July 2024, he oversees the operational readiness of the Indian Army, addressing strategic challenges in a complex geopolitical landscape.