Remembering India’s first CDS, General Bipin Rawat and his vision of theaterisation

In a poignant moment that echoes through corridors of India's military history, nation once again reflects on life and legacy of General Bipin Rawat, distinguished four-star general and India's inaugural Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Two years have passed since tragic helicopter crash that claimed lives of General Rawat, his wife, and members of his staff, yet indelible mark he left on Indian Armed Forces endures.

General Bipin Rawat's legacy lives on in ongoing efforts to implement structural changes he championed. creation of atre commands, a concept he ardently endorsed, remains a work in progress, reflecting his enduring influence on India's defence architecture.

Military career rooted in strategic contributions and operational excellence

General Bipin Rawat, born on March 16, 1958, in Pauri, Uttarakhand, hailed from a military lineage. His far, Lieutenant General Lakshman Singh Rawat, set stage for a career that would span over four deces. Commissioned into 5th battalion, 11 Gorkha Rifles, on December 16, 1978, young officer embarked on a journey that would shape future of India's military leership.

Educated at National Defence Acemy and Indian Military Acemy, General Rawat's early career included a significant chapter during 1987 Sino-Indian skirmish in Sumdorong Chu valley, where his battalion confronted Chinese People's Liberation Army.

General Rawat's rise through ranks was marked by strategic contributions and operational excellence. After instructional duties at Indian Military Acemy, he gained extensive experience in high-altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations. His leership roles included commanding a company in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, and later, 5th battalion, 11 Gorkha Rifles, along Line of Actual Control at Kibithu.  

trajectory of General Rawat's career ascended to higher echelons as he assumed role of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Sourn Command in 2016. Prior to this, he played a pivotal role as Vice Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee from September to December 2019.  

Architect of military transformation as CDS

January 1, 2020, marked a historic moment for Indian Armed Forces with appointment of General Bipin Rawat as first Chief of Defence Staff. In this transformative role, he spearheed initiatives aimed at enhancing jointness and integration among three services. General Rawat's vision included creation of atre commands to optimize military capabilities and streamline operations, a parigm shift in India's defence structure.

Chief of Defence Staff serves as professional he and permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) of Indian Armed Forces. Holding highest-ranking uniformed position in military, CDS functions as chief military viser to Minister of Defence. ditionally, CDS les Department of Military Affairs, a crucial component overseeing military strategy and coordination.

role was conceived to improve coordination, tri-service effectiveness, and overall integration of combat capabilities across armed forces. Meanwhile, Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) plays a pivotal role in fostering coordination and prioritization across various branches of Indian Armed Forces. Comprising representatives from Army, Navy, Air Force, Ministry of External Affairs, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Finance, IDS ensures seamless collaboration.  

Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, along with Deputy Chiefs, les IDS, contributing to strategic decision-making and coordination. establishment of Chief of Defence Staff and IDS underscores India's commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities through enhanced integration and strategic coordination.  

Tragic end in helicopter crash  

On December 8, 2021, tragedy struck as General Rawat, along with his wife and members of his staff, met with a fatal accident. Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 helicopter y were aboard crashed near Coonoor, Nilgiris district, en route from Sulur Air Force Base to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. crash site, tragically, was a mere 10 kilometres from intended destination.

aftermath saw Indian military and nation mourning loss of a visionary leer. Group Captain Varun Singh, General Rawat's liaison officer, initially survived incident but succumbed to injuries on December 15, 2021.  

General Bipin Rawat's legacy lives on in ongoing efforts to implement structural changes he championed. creation of atre commands, a concept he ardently endorsed, remains a work in progress, reflecting his enduring influence on India's defence architecture.

As nation observes 2nd anniversary of General Rawat's passing, solemn ceremonies and tributes serve as a poignant reminder of a leer whose contributions transcended his lifetime. tricolour that draped his final resting place at Brar Square Crematorium in Delhi Cantonment on December 10, 2021, symbolized a nation's gratitude for a lifetime of service. India continues to honour General Bipin Rawat, not just in remembrance but in commitment to fulfil vision he h for a stronger, integrated, and resolute armed forces.