Remembering CDS General Bipin Rawat

Our heart fills with pride when we think of the rich history that our country has had and more so when it comes to the sacrifices of our unnamed heroes. Across eras, we have witnessed many virtuous fighters that have fought a multitude of battles for our country. Today, we pay tribute to a man, who, with his nobility and servitude, led our country to the path of growth and prosperity. The flames of patriotism ran deeply in his veins and every part of him was devoted to our nation. With grief and utmost respect, we remember our very own inaugural Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat.

After completing his education from the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, General Rawat started his journey with his commission to the Fifth Battalion, the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in December 1978 and was lauded with the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’, marking the beginning of many that would be bestowed for his gallantry more importantly, his service to our nation. In the year 1980, he was promoted to the post of a Lieutenant. He rose to the ranks of Captain in 1984- Major in 1989- Lieutenant Colonel in 1998- Colonel in 2003- Brigadier in 2007- Major General in 2011- Lieutenant General in 2014- the Chief of Army Staff in 2017 and finally the highest rank of our nation, the Chief of Defence Staff in 2019. In 2015, General Rawat had played a huge role in mitigating the militancy in Northeast. His work with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the Democratic Republic of Congo was twice lauded with the Force Commander’s Commendation. His role in the 2016 surgical strikes was instrumental to our nation’s success. In the 43 years of his service in uniform, General has been awarded with the PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM; COAS Commendation on two occasions by the United Nations and the Army Commander’s Commendation. He was the torchbearer for modernising and setting-up integrated commands in our nation. He was deeply passionate about National Security and has published numerous articles on ‘National Security’ and ‘Leadership’ via various journals and publications. 

In 2019, our nation underwent structural changes in the defence sector. We were introduced to our first ever Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat. With a goal to unify and present a single front, this four star ranked professional service Chief, on 31st December, 2019 became the senior-most uniformed military adviser to the Government of India and the head of Indian Armed Forces. The idea dates back to 1982, when General K.V Krishna Rao had recommended the post of CDS for India. It wasn’t formally introduced until the Kargil War Committee proffered it in 2001. This idea was amended by different committees, leaders in a series of several years which witnessed different versions in which this post should have existed in India. At multiple points, this became a matter of national debate where various parties over the years expressed their disapproval for it. On 23rd August 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a committee under the National Security Advisor to plan and make the final powers of the Chief of Defence Staff. On December 24th, 2019, the Cabinet Committee on Security came up with the roles of the CDS and decided to introduce it. 

As we remember him, we see his commitment, ardour and expertise with which he took our nation to great heights. From a Lieutenant to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat’s journey is an inspiration to crores of Indians today, and will continue to inspire many generations to come. He leaves us with voids that can’t be filled and memories that can’t be forgotten. 

Rest in Peace, dear sir. You will always be remembered.