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The first CDS of India- Bipin Rawat, is a remarkable personality and truly an inspiration for all future coming military officers. CDS Bipin Rawat- a retired Army Chief, General, and the first sitting Chief of Army Staff who was appointed to the top post.
The Earlier Days of General Bipin Rawat
Gen Bipin Rawat comes from military or army background, with his family members serving the country for ages. Born on 16th March 1958 in the small town of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, he intended to join the military from his childhood. Rawat’s father- Lakshman Singh Rawat (1930-2015), was an officer of 11 Gorkha Rifles and got his retirement in 1988 as Deputy Chief of the Army Chief as a Lieutenant General.
Rawat completed his schooling at Cambrian Hall School of Dehradun and then the St. Edward’s School, Shimla. Later, he joined the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla, and then the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He was the merit holder and was awarded the “Sword of Honor” when he graduated from IMA.
Gen Bipin Rawat was also a Defence Service Staff College, Wellington graduate along with the United States Higher Command, where he took the Higher Command Force in 1997. He also hold degrees like MPhil in Defense Studies and Diploma in Computer Studies and Management from Madras University. He was also a Doctorate holder from Chaudhary Charan Singh for his work and research on military-media strategic studies.
Gen Bipin Rawat Military Career
Gen Bipin started his army career by joining the 5th battalion of 11 Gorkha rifles, just as his father did. Bipin Rawat was also a part of the 1987 Indo-Indian Skirmish, Sumdorong Chu Valley, to fight against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
He also has experience in high-altitude warfare for almost 10 years and in conducting counter-insurgency operations. He was also commanded as a Major in URI, Jammu Kashmir, as a Colonel of the 5th Battalion, the 11 Gorkha Rifles in the eastern sector, Rashtriya Rifles, and GOC-C Southern Commands. In addition to his achievements, he was also a part of the Nepal Army as their Honorary General.
After his promotion to Major General, he was commissioned as the General Officer Commanding the 19th Infantry Division (Uri). As a Lieutenant General, he guided III Corps of Dimapur before he took over Southern Command, Pune. In 2014, Gen Bipin Rawat became the COAS, followed by CDS in 2020.
CDS Rawat was awarded with many achievements like PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, VS, and SM. He is undoubtedly an inspiration and a hero for many military officers.
We lost Gen Rawat lost his life in a plane crash with 13 more people, along with his wife.