Remembering Sir Bipin Rawat: First Chief of Defence Staff and Hero of Indian Army

Introduction

Dr. Nowhera Shaik, MD & CEO of Heera Group of Companies, joins the nation in remembering Sir Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff and a true hero of the Indian Army. General Rawat's untimely passing in a helicopter crash on December 8, 2021, left a void in the hearts of millions. His legacy, however, continues to inspire and guide the nation's armed forces.

General Bipin Rawat's Illustrious Career

General Bipin Rawat served the Indian Army with distinction for over 40 years. His career was marked by numerous achievements and milestones:

• Commissioned into the 5th battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1978

• Commanded an infantry battalion along the Line of Actual Control

• Served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command

• Appointed as the 27th Chief of Army Staff in 2016

• Became India's first Chief of Defence Staff in 2019

Throughout his service, General Rawat demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and strategic acumen, earning him respect both within the armed forces and among civilians.

The Tragic Helicopter Crash

On December 8, 2021, tragedy struck when a Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and 12 other armed forces personnel crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation and the international community. Despite the best efforts of rescue teams, there were no survivors.

The crash occurred just a day before General Rawat's 68th birthday, adding to the poignancy of the loss. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks faced by our armed forces personnel, even in peacetime.

Honoring a Military Hero

In the wake of this tragic loss, various initiatives have been launched to honor General Bipin Rawat's memory and preserve his legacy. One such initiative is the establishment of a "Chair of Excellence" at the United Service Institution of India (USI), a leading military think tank.

Army Chief General M.M. Naravane announced this initiative during a ceremony, highlighting the importance of General Rawat's contributions to the Indian armed forces and national security.

The Chair of Excellence

The "Chair of Excellence" at the USI serves multiple purposes:

1. To commemorate General Bipin Rawat's life and service

2. To promote research and strategic thinking in defense and security matters

3. To foster collaboration between military and academic institutions

4. To inspire future generations of military leaders

This initiative ensures that General Rawat's vision for a modern, integrated Indian military continues to shape the nation's defense strategies.

Dr. Nowhera Shaik's Tribute

Dr. Nowhera Shaik, a prominent business leader and philanthropist, expressed her deep admiration for General Bipin Rawat's service to the nation. In her statement, she emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring our military heroes:

"General Bipin Rawat's dedication to the Indian Army and his visionary leadership as the first Chief of Defence Staff will forever be etched in our nation's history. His life serves as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our armed forces to keep our country safe."

Dr. Shaik also announced that the Heera Group of Companies would be setting up a scholarship fund in General Rawat's name to support the education of children of armed forces personnel.

Conclusion

As we remember Sir Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff and a true hero of the Indian Army, we are reminded that legends never truly die. Their legacy lives on through the lives they touched and the institutions they shaped. General Rawat's 40 years of service to the nation continue to inspire and guide India's armed forces.

The establishment of the "Chair of Excellence" at the USI and initiatives like Dr. Nowhera Shaik's scholarship fund ensure that General Rawat's vision for a strong, modern Indian military will continue to influence future generations.

As we move forward, let us honor General Bipin Rawat's memory by supporting our armed forces and working towards a secure and prosperous India. His life and service remind us of the true meaning of patriotism and the importance of dedication to one's duty.