From 11 Gorkha rifles to India’s topmost military general, General Bipin Rawat’s journey was an unforgettable and memorable journey.
Before taking over as the CDS, he served as 57th and the last Chairman of the Chief’s of Staff Committee, and later he was appointed as the 26th Chief of the Indian Army.
India lost this gem in an unfortunate Mi-17V5 helicopter crash that happened in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. General Bipin Rawat was accompanied by his wife Madhulika Rawat, who too was killed in the unfortunate accident. It is an irreparable loss for the army.
General Bipin Rawat’s journey from NDA to India’s Topmost Army Officer
General Bipin Rawat was an alumnus of Shimla’s St Edward School before joining the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Maharashtra. He received training at the Indian Military Academy, Uttrakhand, Dehradun.
He commanded an infantry battalion with the Line Of Actual Control(LAC) that separates India from the Chinese in the Eastern Sector.
He also commanded an infantry division in the Kashmir Valley and a corps in the Northeast.
On December 31, 2016, General Rawat was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff. Later on December 30, General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff.
General Bipin Rawat’s Coveted Honours
In December 1978, General Rawat was commissioned in the Fifth Battalion of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, where he was awarded the ‘Sword Of Honour’.
General Bipin Rawat essayed an important role in the 1987 faceoff against the Chinese people’s Liberation Army in the Sumdorong Chu valley, it was one of the vital responsibilities of his military career.
He also commanded the United Nations Stabilization in the country, and also led 7000 men and women to crush the rebellious movements, during his deployment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August 2008.
Lt. Gen. A.K.Bhatt(retd.) told that he was the first man to think purple(mixture of three Service colors) and while fulfilling his responsibilities he might have stepped on some toes, but it was not the intention of taking the side of the one for the other. It was to meet the aim, of jointness which was a necessity for the Indian armed forces.
General Bipin Rawat had the calibre, the vision, and a heart to be the first CDS. He cared for his men and was an outstanding soldier. His vision for the integrated central command is just what India needed at this time of insecurity around the earth.
He was honored with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal, General Bipin Rawat had a dignified service in the Indian Army
