In an unspeakable tragedy, General Bipin Rawat, India’s first and current Chief Defence Staff (CDS) died yesterday after the IAF Mi-17 helicopter he was travelling crashed in Tamil Nadu.
Entire India is in a state of gloom, and shock, as General Bipin Rawat, a 4-Star General of the Indian Armed Forces was a celebrated warrior, who played an important role in reforming Indian Defence establishments.
Along with the General, his wife, and 11 other brave defence personnel lost their lives in this unfortunate chopper crash.
Here are 5 unknown facts about the late General you should know:
- Late General Bipin Rawat was India’s 1st ever CDS or Chief Of Defence Staff, and took over the charge from January 1st, 2020. Before this, he was Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, and 26th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army.
- Hailing from Pauri, Uttarakhand, Late General Bipin Rawat was an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the 5th battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles on December 16, 1978, when he started his glorious defence career.
- In his military career, he held several ranks including: Lieutenant General, Major General, Brigadier, Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel.
- In the last 40 years in Indian Army, he has been awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, the COAS Commendation on two occasions and the Army Commander’s Commendation.
- He was also part of the UN Peacekeeping force, and was instrumental in bringing stability and control in Kashmir border, China border and other sensitive locations.
Entire India will be forever indebted to Late General Bipin Rawat for his selfless service for the nation.
RIP General Bipin Rawat.. We Salute You.