On Wednesday, CDS Bipin Singh Rawat died in a helicopter crash. His passing gives Indians an ill-fated opportunity to look at the life and times of India’s most celebrated army officer. 63-year-old Bipin Singh Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, Brigadier L. S. Lidder, and several officers of his staff were among the 13 people who were killed after the IAF helicopter Mi-17 crashed due to matters that will be probed in the time to come.
After being appointed the CDS, he was the chief military advisor to Indian Defence Minister, and ranked above military officers that led the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. A straight-talk, no sugar-coating General, Mr. Rawat came from a family that was known to serve the Indian forces.
The Facts of the Matter
On Wednesday, the entire nation was on a standstill and its citizens had their eyes glued to their television sets. It wasn’t due to an India Pakistan match, nor was it due to a speech being given by the Indian Prime Minister. The cause was much graver and immediate – the helicopter crash in Coonoor which took the life of India’s Chief of Defence Staff – General Bipin Singh Rawat.
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The Ill-Fated Crash
Mr. Rawat, along with his staff and his wife, was on his way to the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington to give a lecture. He was aboard the IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter, which, due to unfounded reasons so far, crashed above the Nilgiris. The helicopter, which is known as one of the ‘safest’ and ‘most advanced’ was being piloted by a Wing Commander of the IAF himself.
Bipin Singh Rawat Was Born in Army Family
Bipin Singh Rawat was born in 1958 in Uttarakhand in a family known to send its members on the frontline to serve the nation. Mr. Rawat was the son of a 3-star lieutenant general and received his education at the prestigious Cambrian Hall in Dehradun first, and St. Edward’s in Shimla.
After his schooling, he joined the NDA (National Defence Academy) for his initial training in the art and science of defence. Post NDA, he joined the Indian Military Academy where he was awarded the Sword of Honour as the best Gentleman Cadet.
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Being Posted in The Most Elite Regiment – 11 Gorkha Rifles
For the unversed, the IMA’s most elite talent is known to take to the 11 Gorkha Rifles infantry regiment. Mr. Bipin Singh Rawat was part of the 5th battalion of the Gurkha Rifles, and Mr. Rawat himself was later commission in the same unit.
Gaining Reputation for Leading Counterinsurgency Warfare
Slowly and steadily, Mr. Rawat earned the reputation for leading companies in the field of counterinsurgency warfare. In his four decades long service, he served as a Brigade Commander, a General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, a General Staff Officer Grade 2, a Colonel Military Secretary, a Deputy Military Secretary, and a Senior Instructor at the Junior Command Wing.
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Mr. Rawat Was In the Balakot Airstrikes Inner Circle
Under Mr. Rawat’s illustrious cap there are several striking feathers that prove his mettle & valor. In 2019, he was in the inner circle which over saw the Balakot Airstrikes. As a counter to the killing of 40 Indian soldiers in Pulwama, India carried out an airstrike which had crucial inputs from Mr. Rawat. He was serving as an Army Chief back then.
Being Appointed as CDS
After his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff, he became the one-point military advisor to India’s Defence Minister. Along with serving as the CDS, he was heading the Department of Military Affairs that is responsible for the boosting of the tri-service coordination, allocating resources for defence expenditure, etc.
We at Shiksha News pray for the soul of the great Indian soldier, and share our condolences to the entire grief-struck nation.
