biography of bipin rawat

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CDS Bipin Rawat Biography: Birth, Age, Death, Family, Education, Military Career, Last Rites and More

Cds bipin rawat biography: general bipin rawat was the first cds of india who was killed in an iaf chopper mi-17v5 crash on 8 december 2021 in tamil nadu's coonoor, along with his wife madhulika rawat and staff. 13 out of the 14 members aboard the chopper have been declared dead. the indian army has positively identified cds rawat, his wife, and brig lidder who were laid to rest on 10 december 2021. the remaining 10 bodies will be kept in the mortuary of the army base hospital till positive identification is completed. a tri-service inquiry led by air chief marshal manavendra singh has been ordered into the case and the black box has been retrieved. at this sad unfortunate moment, take a look at the life of cds bipin rawat. .

CDS Bipin Rawat Biography: IAF chopper Mi-17V5 crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor with CDS Bipin Rawat, wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other persons aboard.  

13 out of the 14 members aboard the chopper have been declared dead. The Indian Army has so far positively identified CDS Rawat, his wife, and Brig Lidder. The remaining 10 bodies will be kept in the mortuary of the Army Base Hospital till positive identification is completed. 

CDS General Bipin Rawat was accorded a 17-gun salute at his funeral where 800 military personnel were in attendance. Brigadier Lidder was also laid to rest with full military honours today. General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat are survived by their daughters Kritika and Tarini and Brigadier Lidder is survived by his wife and daughter. 

The health condition of Group Captain Varun Singh, the sole survivor of the tragic crash, is critical. He is on life support at the Command Hospital in Bengaluru. He was taken to the Sulur Air Base from where he was airlifted to Bengaluru. 

A tri-service inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. It will be led by Air Chief Marshal Manavendra Singh. The black box of the ill-fated IAF helicopter has been retrieved. 

#WATCH | Final moments of Mi-17 chopper carrying CDS Bipin Rawat and 13 others before it crashed near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu yesterday (Video Source: Locals present near accident spot) pic.twitter.com/jzdf0lGU5L — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2021

Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course today. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021

An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021

CDS Bipin Rawat: Birth, Early Life, and Education

Birth and Family: Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat was born in Pauri, Uttarakhand. His father, Laxman Singh Rawat, served the Indian Army and rose to the rank of Lieutenant-General. His mother was the daughter of an ex-MLA from Uttrakhand's Uttarkashi. 

Education: He received his formal education at Cambrian Hall School in Dehradun and the St. Edward's School, Shimla and went on to join the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, where he was honoured with the 'Sword of Honour'.

He was also a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington and the Higher Command Course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

CDS Bipin Rawat: Military Career

On 16 December 1978, CDS Bipin Rawat was commissioned into the 5th battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles , the same unit as his father Laxman Singh Rawat. He spent 10 years conducting counter-insurgency operations and served on various ranging from Major to current CDS.  

While serving on the post of Major , CDS Bipin Rawat commanded a company in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. He commanded his battalion along the LAC at Kibithu as a Colonel . After getting promoted to the rank of Brigadier , he commanded 5 Sector of Rashtriya Rifles in Sopore and multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), where he was honoured twice with the Force Commander’s Commendation.

Bipin Rawat took over as the General Officer Commanding 19th Infantry Division in Uri when he was promoted to the rank of Major General . As a Lieutenant General , he commanded III Corps, headquartered in Dimapur before taking over the Southern Army in Pune.

He assumed the post of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Southern Command after being promoted to the Army Commander grade. After a short stint, he was promoted to the post of Vice Chief of Army Staff. 

CDS Bipin Rawat: Awards 

During his career that spanned over 40 years, CDS General Bipin Rawat received many medals and honours for gallantry and distinguished service. These are mentioned below: 

1- Param Vishisht Seva Medal

2- Uttam Yudh Seva Medal

3- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal

4- Yudh Seva Medal   

5- Sena Medal    

6- Vishisht Seva Medal

7- Wound Medal    

8- Samanya Seva Medal    

9- Special Service Medal    

10- Operation Parakram Medal

11- Sainya Seva Medal    

12- High Altitude Service Medal    

13- Videsh Seva Medal  

14- 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal

15- 30 Years Long Service Medal    

16- 20 Years Long Service Medal  

17-  9 Years Long Service Medal    

CDS Bipin Rawat Death 

Timeline of the event: iaf chopper crash.

1- CDS General Bipin Rawat was on a scheduled visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington to interact with the Student Officers.

2- The IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter took off from Sulur Air Base at 11:48 am on 8 December 2021 and was expected to land at Wellington by 12:15 pm.

3- At approximately 12:08 pm, Air Traffic Control at Sulur Air Base lost contact with the chopper.

4- Thereafter, a few locals spotted a fire in the forest near Coonoor and rushed to the spot.

5- The locals saw the wreckage of a military helicopter engulfed in flames.

6- Rescue teams from the local administration in the vicinity reached the site and attempted to recover the survivors from the crash site.

7- All those recovered from the wreckage were rushed to the Military Hospital, Wellington.

8- Out of the total 14 persons aboard the ill-fated helicopter, 13 have succumbed to their injuries.

9- Group Captain Varun Singh is the sole survivor of the tragic crash. His condition is critical but stable. 

10- The mortal remains of the 13 people will be brought to Delhi by today evening for last rites. 

Also Read | CDS Bipin Rawat's helicopter crashed in Tamil Nadu: Check the list of people aboard and their designations

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Bipin Rawat Wiki, Age, Death, Caste, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More

Bipin Rawat was a four-star General of the Indian Army. He served as the 27th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India. He was killed in a chopper crash on 8 December 2021.

Wiki/Biography

Bipin Rawat was born on Sunday, 16 March 1958 ( age 63 years; at the time of death ) in Saina Village, Lansdowne, Pauri, Garhwal district, Uttar Pradesh (now in Uttarakhand). His zodiac sign is Pisces. He did his schooling at Cambrian Hall in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and St. Edward’s School in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Subsequently, he joined the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune. Rawat then graduated (first in the order of merit) from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour.’ He also held a graduate degree from Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, Tamil Nadu.

Bipin Rawat speaking at an event

Rawat pursued the Higher Command Course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1997. Rawat then obtained an MPhil. in Defence Studies from the University of Madras. He also held a few diplomas in Management and computer science from the University of Madras. In 2011, Bipin received an honorary doctorate from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, for his research on military media strategic studies. [1] pib.gov.in He received a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Military Media Strategic Studies from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, in 2011. [2] The Times of India

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 8″

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Hair Colour: Grey

Bipin Rawat (centre) with other Indian Army officials

Bipin Rawat was born into a family with an army background. His family had been serving the Indian army for ages. He was the third generation of his family to join the Indian Army.

Parents & Siblings

Rawat’s father, Lakshman Singh Rawat, was a retired Lt. General of the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (retired in 1988). He was from Sainj village of the Pauri Garhwal district and was commissioned into 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1951. His mother was the daughter of Kishan Singh Parmar, a politician and an ex-MLA from Uttarkashi in Uttrakhand.

Wife & Children

Bipin Rawat got married to Madhulika Raje Singh , a scion of an erstwhile princely family, on 14 April 1986. Madhulika was the daughter of Kunwar Mrigendra Singh, who was once a Riyasatdar of the pargana of Sohagpur Riyasat in Shahdol district. As of 2021, she was appointed as the President of the Army Women Welfare Association (AWWA). Madhulika was also killed in a chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu along with Bipin Rawat.

Bipin Rawat with his wife Madhulika Rawat

Bipin Rawat with his wife, Madhulika, in their youth

Bipin Rawat and Madhulika’s wedding card

They had two daughters named Kritika Rawat and Tarini Rawat.

Bipin Rawat’s wife (centre) and daughters

Other Relatives

Rawat’s paternal uncle, Bharat Singh Rawat, was deployed in the Indian Army as a Havaldar (non-commissioned officer). He had one more uncle named Harinandan who was also in the Indian Army.

Bipin Rawat uncle Bharat Singh Rawat in white Kurta

In one of his interviews, Bipin’s uncle, Bharat Singh Rawat, while describing Bipin, said,

A very smart boy right from childhood. Bipin has managed to get where he is only through sheer hard work and honesty. We were very sure that he would achieve great success, and he has proved us right.”

Bipin Rawat followed Hinduism, and he belonged to a Kshatriya (Rajput) Family [3] India.com .

On 16 December 1978, Bipin Rawat was commissioned into the 5th battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles (same battalion as his father). When he was promoted as a Colonel, he commanded the “5th battalion 11 Gorkha Rifles” in the Eastern sector along the LOC at Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh. When he was promoted to the rank of “Brigadier,” he commanded the “5 Sector of the Rashtriya Rifles” in Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir. As a Brigadier, he had also commanded a multinational Brigade in “Chapter VII mission” in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa, where he was awarded the “Force Commander’s Commendation” twice.

Bipin Rawat (centre) in Congo

When Rawat was promoted as a Major General, he took over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 19th Infantry Division in Uri, J&K. As the Lieutenant General, he commanded the “III Corps,” headquartered in Dimapur, Nagaland, before taking over the Southern Army in Pune. He also held several staff appointments such as the instructional tenure at the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), logistics staff officer of a Re-organised Army Plains Infantry Division (RAPID) in central India, Colonel Military Secretary, and many more.

Bipin Rawat giving a speech at IMA

One of the highlights of his career was the 2015 cross-border operation in Myanmar, where the Indian Army successfully countered the NSCN-K insurgents. In 2016, he was also involved in the planning of a surgical strike. On 1 January 2016, he was promoted to the Army Commander grade, and he took charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Southern Command. On 1 September 2016, he was appointed as the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOS). On 17 December 2016, Rawat was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff by the Government of India. He became the 27th Chief of Army Staff, and he assumed office on 31 December 2016, after General Dalbir Singh Suhag’s retirement.

Bipin Raat taking charge as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India

On 30 December 2019, a day before his retirement from service, the Government of India announced that Bipin Rawat will be appointed as the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). His service was extended without retirement, and he assumed office on 1 January 2020. He served the rank until his death on 8 December 2021.

Bipin Rawat after being appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

Significant Ranks Held

In the Indian Army

• Second Lieutenant (16 December 1978)
• Lieutenant (16 December 1980)
• Captain (31 July 1984)
• Major (16 December 1989)
• Lieutenant Colonel (1 June 1998)
• Colonel (1 August 2003)
• Brigadier (1 October 2007)
• Major General (20 October 2011)
• Lieutenant General (1 June 2014)
• General (COAS) (1 January 2017)

In the Indian Armed Forces (tri-service)

• General (CDS) (31 December 2019)

Controversies

• Bipin once landed into a controversy for meeting the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, in uniform, in full public view in Nagpur. He later defended himself by saying that there was nothing wrong in paying respect to elders. [4] The Telegraph India
• During his tenure as Army chief, Rawat was very hostile towards Kashmiri civilians and in one of the clashes between the civilians and the security forces in 2017, Rawat said, “I wish these people, instead of throwing stones at us, were firing weapons at us. Then I would have been happy. Then I could do what I (want to do).” His statement was severely criticised in the media. [5] The Telegraph India
• In 2017, he was criticized when he awarded the “Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Card” to Major Leetul Gogoi for his sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations. He was criticized on this decision as in 2017, Gogoi had tied a Kashmiri citizen in front of his jeep to prevent stone-pelters from attacking his convoy. Several human rights activists, politicians, and journalists had voiced their opinion against the incident. [6] The Telegraph India
• In December 2018, Rawat’s statement invited criticism when he warned soldiers who falsely claimed that they were disabled, to earn extra money through the “disability pension.” He said that people who are truly disabled will be taken care of medically and financially, but those who falsely claim this pension should mend their ways or there’ll be serious consequences. [7] Hindustan Times
• Once, during an interview with a news channel, he opposed the idea of women in combat roles. He said that women could complain of men peeping into their tents while they were changing, so we will have to provide a sheet around her. He faced major backlash for his comments from many factions of society. [8] Hindustan Times
• On 26 December 2019, he publicly condemned the protests against CAA and NRC. His comments drew criticism from the opposition parties and many senior Indian Army personnel; as the Army never comments or meddles in political affairs. [9] Hindustan Times
• Param Vishisht Seva Medal
• Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
• Yudh Seva Medal
• Vishisht Seva Medal
• Wound Medal
• Samanya Seva Medal
• Special Service Medal
• Operation Parakram Medal
• Sainya Seva Medal
• High Altitude Service Medal
• Videsh Seva Medal
• 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal
• 30 Years Long Service Medal
• 20 Years Long Service Medal
• 9 Years Long Service Medal

Padma Vibhushan (Civil Service) in 2022

Bipin Rawat’s signature

As of 2021, Bipin Rawat was receiving Rs. 250,000 a month and some other allowances as the Chief of Defence Staff. [10] The 7th Pay Commission of India

On 8 December 2021, when Bipin Rawat was en route to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills), where he had to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course, he was killed in a chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu along with his wife, Madhulika , and 11 more who were travelling in an IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter.

Wreckage of the crashed chopper that was carrying Bipin Rawat

On 10 December 2021, he was cremated at the Brar Square crematorium at Delhi cantonment with full military honours. The body of his wife, Madhulika, was also laid on the same pyre.

Tri-services officers carry the mortal remains of late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat during his funeral procession from his residence to Brar Square

Facts/Trivia

• He liked playing football and reading books.

Bipin Rawat in Kashmir

Bipin Rawat appointed as an honorary General of the Nepalese Army

• When Rawat was named as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), he superseded two of his senior officers, Lt. General Praveen Bakshi and Lt. General PM Hariz. The Government of India had broken its protocol of appointing the most senior ranking officer as the COAS.
• He was the third officer from the Gorkha Brigade to be appointed as the COAS after Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw and General Dalbir Singh Suhag.

Manoj Mukund Naravane (left) taking charge as the Chief of Army Staff from Bipin Rawat

• Over the course of his 43 years of service, Bipin Rawat was known for his valour and laudable service with the UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, and COAS. Rawat was also a member of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force and received the Force Commander’s Commendation twice during his tenure with the United Nations.
• In 2021, Bipin referred to the Indian Air Force as a ‘supporting arm’ of the Indian defence network and infrastructure. Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria got offended with his statement and in response said that the Indian Air Force served a bigger role than just being a supporting arm.
• In September 2021, while addressing an event on behalf of the CDS at the India International Centre in New Delhi, General Rawat talked about the theory of clash of civilisations with regards to the western civilisation and China’s growing relations with countries like Iran and Turkey. The next day, India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that India did not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory.
• After the death of Bipin Rawat, there were rumours on WhatsApp that some college hostels in Tamil Nadu and Kerala had celebrated Rawat’s death. After the rumours went viral, Ali Akbar, a filmmaker from Kerala said that he was upset over Muslims celebrating the death of General Rawat on the internet and was willing to convert to Hinduism.
• Rawat had penned down a number of articles on national security and leadership that were published in various publications.
• He was the first military officer to don three hats simultaneously- he was the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Secretary Department of Military Affairs, and Chief of Defence Staff.
• An uncanny coincidence about the Indian Army is that prior to Rawat the last Army Chief to die while serving the office was General Bipin Chandra Joshi, in 1994. Both of them not only had the same first name but also belonged to the same place, i.e., Uttarakhand.
• Rawat often took inputs (when he was appearing for the Service Selection Board; SSB) from his old acquaintance, Lt Col Onkar Singh Dikrit. Bipin knew Onkar since his younger days as he was a senior of his father in 2/11 Gorkha Rifles.
• Bipin was very attached to his hometown in Uttarkhand. He made sure to visit his native village after a fixed duration, even when he was busy. He even wanted to buy a house in the village and expressed it to his uncle, Bharat Singh Rawat, who later showed him a plot to build a desired house.

A life-size mural of the late Gen Bipin Rawat was unveiled at the military camp in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh on 10 September 2022

References [+] [−]

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Who was General Bipin Rawat, the Indian army chief killed in helicopter crash?

The chief of defence staff, 63, was once shot by pakistan troops and had survived an earlier air crash.

December 09, 2021

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Tribute | ‘Gen. Rawat had the calibre, the vision and a heart to be the first CDS’

‘he was decisive, courageous, and extremely honest’.

Updated - December 09, 2021 12:12 pm IST

In this Jan 15, 2019 file photo, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat is seen.

Gen. Bipin Rawat’s untimely demise is an extremely irreparable loss for the Army. Having seen him at close quarters during the Doklam crisis during my tenure in Kashmir, as well as the Military Secretary, he had the qualities of the best leader.

Decisive, courageous, brave, ability to take risks, and personally honest, to the end, extremely honest. And he believed in what he did. He was a soldier who breathes Army and lived Army. He was always there. The amount of confidence I had to take difficult decisions, both as the Director General Military Operations (DGMO) and as the 15 Corps Commander (Srinagar based) was because I was backed by a boss who would stand by me through all risks and difficult situations.

The fact that he was picked up at the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was because he met all the requirements. He had the calibre, he had the vision, and he had a heart to be the first CDS. He believed in things, he believed in the whole Army, the whole armed forces going on together. And he worked for it.

General Bipin Rawat took over as the 27th Army Chief on December 31, 2016 and as the first CDS on January 1, 2020.

One of my personal recollections, even in Doklam when we had to decide and carry out the act, it just took him 10 minutes to decide. It was a very difficult decision for any Chief to take. The most courageous decision, which he took because he believed it.

My association is actually though I have known him as a young Lieutenant Colonel, when he had come after doing the Command and General Staff College, which is done by the topper of the batch. That is the first time I met him, I had come back from my staff college. And thereafter, at every rank, whenever I met him, it has been a learning because he was so dedicated to his profession. And it’s a grave personal loss for me.

General Bipin Rawat was commissioned in the Fifth Battalion of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles in December 1978, from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, where he was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’. I got commissioned into the Army in December 1981. And the best part is, I’ve known his younger brother, who was my junior in NDA. Both the brothers never threw weight that they were a General’s sons. In his junior rank, one didn’t even know that his father was an officer.

I should share that when I was DGMO, it was not only Doklam but many decisions at the operational level there were clear cut decisions, there was no risk avoidance. If there was anything which had to be done, there was never any avoidance of not giving an order and a clear cut one.

Whenever there is any new creation like the CDS, the three services which have been independent, which now have to integrate together. There has to be a bond like in a family, a little bit of each things independently for their service. He was the first man who had to think purple (mixture of three Service colours). And while thinking purple, may be he may have stepped on some toes, but it was not the intention of favouring one for the other. It was to meet that aim, of jointness which was a necessity for the Indian armed forces. If the armed forces have to move ahead as per the needs of the times, we have to go together, we have to go purple. And he was very clear about that. The Army, Navy, Air Force have to go jointly in all things, the nation needs it from us, the new warfighting needed it from us. And he was very clear about.

I have looked at him from my younger days. So I didn’t know him personally, for many years, it was only professionally. In the Army, you are a few years senior you knew them. And you will keep meeting them in the Army. I’ve seen him as the 5 Sector Commander in the valley (Kashmir) and the way he handled it. He had a method of doing things. Also understanding what a soldier wanted. He taught us many things like reaching out to the last man and reaching down to the last point. And honesty, he took it as a personal thing, personal honesty and integrity.

We lost an outstanding officer. There are very few bosses whom you look up to. He would listen to your advise even if it was contrast to his opinion. He had listened to whatever I said as DGMO. Even as CDS he went down to the ground and the amount he would travel even as CDS. It is an excellent quality, which is why it is so important even when one reaches higher rank.

( The author served with General Bipin Rawat when the latter was the Army chief )

Published - December 08, 2021 10:30 pm IST

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India’s Top Military General Dies in Helicopter Crash

Gen. Bipin Rawat, who was killed along with his wife and 11 others on board, was in charge of overhauling a military that has struggled to modernize.

By Suhasini Raj and Mujib Mashal

NEW DELHI — Gen. Bipin Rawat, India’s highest-ranking military official, leading efforts to modernize the country’s armed forces, died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday along with his wife and 11 others, officials said.

His death was confirmed in a statement by the country’s defense minister, Rajnath Singh, after hours of uncertainty, as senior officials rushed to the crash site in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and the victims were taken to a nearby hospital. Video footage showed the wreckage in a forested slope, with rescue workers trying to douse the flames.

The loss of General Rawat, who as the chief of defense staff coordinated the various wings of India’s armed forces, comes at a particularly strained moment as India’s military finds itself stretched by threats on two of its borders as well as the impact of a slowing economy.

In addition to the constant war-footing with India’s arch enemy, Pakistan, tens of thousands of reinforcement troops remain in high altitudes in the Himalayas for a second winter after deadly skirmishes with Chinese forces last year.

Tributes poured in for General Rawat, 63, soon after his death was announced.

“A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernizing our armed forces and security apparatus,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. “India will never forget his exceptional service.”

The Indian Air Force, in a statement, said General Rawat had been on his way to the Defense Services Staff College in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, to address the faculty and students when his helicopter went down near Coonoor, a hill station in the state, around noon local time. There was only one survivor among the nine passengers and four crew members, the statement said.

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RIP General Bipin Rawat: India's first CDS, Gorkha Regiment officer with surgical strike, Myanmar mission on CV

General rawat, as india's first chief of defence staff, was the single-point advisor to the government on matters related to the military..

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INDIA'S FIRST CDS

General Bipin Rawat became the first officer of the Indian armed forces to hold the post of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019. The post was newly created as part of the government’s efforts to restructure India’s armed forces to meet present-day challenges.

General Bipin Rawat was named CDS just a day before he was to retire as the Indian Army chief, a position that he held for a full three-year term.

General Bipin Rawat was an officer from the Gorkha Regiment. General Rawat was the fourth officer from the Gorkha Regiment to become the Chief of Army Staff.

JOURNEY FROM NDA TO IMA TO INDIA'S TOP ARMY OFFICER

General Bipin Rawat was an alumnus of Shimla’s St Edward School before joining the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla in Maharashtra. He trained at the Indian Military Academy in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. General Bipin Rawat commanded an infantry battalion along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that separates India’s position from the Chinese in the Eastern Sector. He also commanded an infantry division in the Kashmir Valley and a corps in the Northeast.

General Rawat was appointed the Chief of Army Staff on December 31, 2016. A four-star military officer, General Rawat was appointed the Chief of Defence Staff on December 30, 2019.

A DECORATED MILITARY CAREER

General Rawat spent four decades in service holding positions of a Brigade Commander, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-C) Southern Command, General Staff Officer Grade-2 at the Military Operations Directorate, Colonel Military Secretary and Deputy Military Secretary in the Military Secretary’s Branch and Senior Instructor in the Junior Command Wing.

He was also part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNPF) and commanded a multinational brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Among his career highlights were playing an instrumental role in containing insurgency in the Northeast, supervising 2015 cross-border operation in Myanmar and monitoring the 2016 surgical strikes.

In 2015, the Indian Army successfully responded to an ambush by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) militants. General Rawat had supervised the mission that had been conducted III-Corps.

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All you need to know about General Bipin Rawat

General bipin rawat was the first chief of defence staff who was appointed in 2019.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat (File photo)

The Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat was born in March 1958. As an alumnus of National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, Rawat was commissioned to the fifth Bn (battalion) of the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles of the Indian army in December 1978.

General Bipin Rawat is the first Chief of Defence Staff appointed in 2019.

Bipin Rawat was a graduate from the Defence Services Staff college, Wellington. He also attended the command and general staff course at Fort Leavenworth, USA.

He was an alumnus of St.Edward school, Shimla and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was also awarded an M.Phil in Defence studies from University of Madras. He also did his diplomas in Management and Computer studies. Rawat was awarded Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.

Rawat during his service, served as a Brigade commander, Southern command, general staff officer grade 2 at the military operations directorate, and held many more positions.

He was awarded for his gallantry and distinguished service with the UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, COAS over the span of his 38 years of service. He was also a part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, and was twice awarded the Force Commander’s Commendation while serving with the United Nations. He was also awarded the Sword of Honor from IMA, Dehradun.

In his career, one of the highlights was the 2015 cross border operation in Myanmar, where the Indian Army successfully responded to the NSCN-K militants. Rawat was also a part of planning the 2016 surgical strike.

General Rawat has authored numerous articles on National Security and Leadership which have been published in various publications.

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CDS General Bipin Rawat’s Biography – A Vital Cog In The Indian Army

Bipin Rawat Biography

General Bipin Rawat was a four-star General of the Indian army and his expertise in presenting India’s biggest defense reforms and modernization of armed forces made him a vital cog in the national security and defense apparatus. Throughout his 4 decades-long military careers, Bipin Rawat was finally appointed as the first chief of Defence staff of India on December 30, 2019. He was also awarded a distinguished service with the UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, and COAS.

He played a significant role in successfully responding to the NSCN-K militants during a cross-border operation in Myanmar in 2015. During the surgical strikes in 2016 when the Indian army crossed the Line of Control into the POK, Rawat was supervising the situation from the south block in New Delhi. With the recent IAF Mi17V5 helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on December 8, 2021, the country lost a true hero and dedicated army personnel.

Bipin Rawat Personal Details

Bipin Rawat Education

• Bipin was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
• MPhil from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington
• ILE from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Kansas
• Doctorate of Philosophy from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut
• Diplomas in management and computer studies from Madras University

Bipin Rawat Early Life

• Bipin Rawat was born in a Rajput family Pauri town of Pauri Garhwal district, Modern day Uttarakhand
• His family was serving the Indian Army for multiple generations
• His father served the Indian Army as Lt. General Laxman Singh Rawat and retired as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff
• Rawat’s mother was the daughter of Kishan Singh Parmar, an ex MLA from Uttarkashi

Bipin Rawat Military Career

• Bipin Rawat was commissioned to the 5 th Batallion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles on December 16, 1978.
• He spent 10 years in counterinsurgency operations.
• He commanded a company in Uri, Jammu, and Kashmir and his battalion in LAC at Kibithu.
• As a brigadier, Rawat directed the Sector 5 of the Rashtriya Rifles in Sopore and the multinational brigade during chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)
• On being promoted as a General, he directed the 19 th Infantry Division in Uri.
• As an army commander, Rawat assumed the post of Commander General (GOCinC) of Southern command.
• On December 17, 2016, he was appointed as the 27 th Deputy Chief of Staff by the Government of India.
• Finally, on December 30, 2019, Rawat was honored with the post of being the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India.

Bipin Rawat Achievements

• Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
• Uttam Yudh Seva medal (UYSM)
• Ati Vishisht Seva medal (AVSM)
• Yudh Seva Medal (YSM)
• Sena medal (SM)
• Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
• COAS Commendation
• He was also awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation on two occasions
• Army Commander’s Commendation
• He was twice awarded Force Commander’s Commendation while serving UN in Congo.

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Bipin Rawat Biography: Know everything about the first CDS of India, who died in a helicopter crash

• Google News

On Wednesday, an army chopper carrying CDS General Bipin Rawat, crashed in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor. Reportedly, the helicopter was carrying 14 people, including CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife, security commandos and an IAF Pilot. 

Thirteen people ost their lives. Among the dead was India's first CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife.

Search and rescue operation was carried out. Local military officers reached the location and were informed that locals have taken two bodies with 80% burns to a local hospital while more bodies were seen downhill.

Here know about who is Bipin Rawat, the first CDS of India:

Bipin Rawat Early Life

Bipin Rawat was born in Pauri, Uttarakhand. He took birth in a Hindu Garhwali Rajput Family, which had been serving in the Indian Army since multiple generations. His father Laxman Singh Rawat had rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, while serving in Indian Army. His mother was the daughter of Kishan Singh Parmar, ex-MLA from Uttarkashi. Bipin Rawat married Madhulika Rawat, who also lost her life in the same helicopter crash

Bipin Rawat Education

Bipin Rawat completed his schooling from Cambrian Hill School, Dehradun and St. Edward’s School, Shimla. He then joined the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, where he was also conferred with ‘Sword of Honour’.

Rawat has also received education from Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington and completed the Higher Command Course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

He has an MPhil degree in Defence Studies as well as diplomas in Management and Computer Studies from University of Madras.

He was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy by Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut for his research on military-media strategic studies.

Bipin Rawat Military Career

Rawat was admitted into the 5th battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles on 16 December 1978, the same unit his father was a part of. As a major, He commanded a company in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. As a Colonel, he commanded the 5th battalion 11 Gorkha Rifles, in the Eastern sector along the Line of Actual Control at Kibithu. As a Brigadier, he commanded 5 Sector of Rashtriya Rifles in Sopore. He then commanded a multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) where he was twice awarded the Force Commander’s Commendation.

After promotion to Major General, Rawat took over as the General Officer Commanding 19th Infantry Division (Uri). As a Lieutenant General, he commanded III Corps, headquartered in Dimapur before taking over the Southern Army in Pune.

He also held staff assignments which included an instructional tenure at the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), General Staff Officer Grade 2 at the Military Operations Directorate, logistics staff officer of a Re-organised Army Plains Infantry Division (RAPID) in central India, Colonel Military Secretary and Deputy Military Secretary in the Military Secretary’s Branch and Senior Instructor in the Junior Command Wing. He also served as the Major General General Staff (MGGS) of the Eastern Command.

After being promoted to the Army Commander grade, Rawat assumed the post of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Southern Command on 1 January 2016. After a short stint, he assumed the post of Vice Chief of Army Staff on 1 September 2016.

Bipin Rawat Chief of Army Staff

On 17 December 2016, the Government of India appointed him as the 27th Chief of the Army Staff, superseding two more senior Lieutenant Generals, Praveen Bakshi and P. M. Hariz. [22] He took office of Chief of Army Staff as the 27th COAS on 31 December 2016, after retirement of General Dalbir Singh Suhag.

He is the third officer from the Gorkha Brigade to become the Chief of the Army Staff, after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and General Dalbir Singh Suhag. 

Bipin Rawat CDS

On December 31, 2019 General Bipin Rawat took the office of Chief of Defence Staff and became the first ever CDS of India.

Bipin Rawat Honours

On his visit to the United States in 2019, General Rawat was inducted to the United States Army Command and General Staff College International Hall of Fame.  He is also the honorary General of Nepalese Army. Rawat has also been conferred  Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal and the COAS Commendation on two occasions and the Army Commander’s Commendation.

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Bipin Rawat Age, Death, Caste, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Bipin Rawat

Bipin Rawat with his family members in his native village in Uttarakhand

• His father, Laxman Singh Rawat, had also served the Indian Army as Lt. General. Laxman Singh Rawat had risen from the ranks (being a soldier) to become the Deputy Chief of Army Staff.

Bipin Rawat’s uncle Bharat Singh Rawat (in white Kurta)

Bipin has managed to get where he is only through sheer hard work and honesty. We were very sure that he would achieve great success, and he has proved us right.”

Bipin Rawat visiting his alma mater St Edward School in Shimla

• After completing his schooling, he joined the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, where he was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour.’
• After passing out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, he was commissioned into the 5th Battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles, on 16 December 1978; the same unit as his father’s.
• Soon after his induction into the Indian army as a Second Lieutenant, Mr. Rawat started showing his military skills and went on to have lots of experience in high altitude warfare, and he spent ten years conducting Counter-insurgency operations.
• As a Major, he commanded a company in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir. As a Colonel, he commanded the 5th battalion 11 Gorkha Rifles in the Eastern sector along the Line of Actual Control at Kibithu.
• After being promoted to the rank of Brigadier, he commanded 5 Sector of Rashtriya Rifles in Sopore.
• For commanding a multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Mr. Rawat was twice awarded the Force Commander’s Commendation.
• His promotion to Major General led him to take over as the General Officer Commanding 19th Infantry Division (Uri).
• As a Lieutenant General, Mr. Rawat commanded III Corps, headquartered in Dimapur before taking over the Southern Army in Pune.
• During his career span of 37 years, Bipin Rawat was awarded various gallantry awards including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service.
• On 1 January 2016, Bipin Rawat was promoted to the Army Commander grade and assumed the post of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Southern Command, and after a short stint, he assumed the post of Vice Chief of Army Staff on 1 September 2016.

Bipin Rawat taking charge as the Chief of Army Staff from Dalbir Singh Suhag

General Bipin Rawat presents a memento to General Rajendra Chhetri, Chief of the Army Staff Nepal Army, on the occasion of Nepal Army Day 2018

• Mr. Rawat’s battalion was deployed against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army; during the 1987 face-off in the Sumdorong Chu valley.

Bipin Rawat waving while going to fly LCA Tejas

Bipin Rawat on a visit to his maternal village Thati in Uttarkashi

Bipin Rawat on a visit to his native village Saina Birmoli, near Lansdowne

Wreckage of the crashed chopper that was carrying Bipin Rawat

A life-size mural of the late Gen Bipin Rawat was unveiled at the military camp in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh on 10 September 2022

References/Sources: [ + ]