THE ‘GENERAL OF GENERALS’ LEAVES BEHIND A RICH MILITARY LEGACY

The tragic death of General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and 11 others in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, has shocked the entire Nation. The country’s highest-ranking Defence official was not an ordinary soldier but amongst the most capable and competent officers who served the armed forces with distinction after being commissioned in the Army in 1978. He was a second-generation Army officer; his illustrious father Laxman Singh Rawat was a retired Lt. General, and like Bipin also served with the 11 Gorkhas.

General Bipin Rawat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the mortal remains of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife and and 11 other Armed Forces personnel— who lost their lives in Tamil Nadu chopper crash on Wednesday— at Palam airbase in New Delhi on Thursday on Thurrsday. ANI

Bipin had always wanted to join the Army and his commitment was evident since he emerged as the topper of most of the courses he attended. He was also awarded the Sword of Honour when he passed out from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun meaning that he was the best cadet of that year. There have been many conspiracy theories that have been doing the rounds regarding his death in a crash. True there is a striking similarity between the circumstances under which the Chief of Taiwan’s Army had perished in a helicopter crash last year. However, no premature conclusions should be reached since a court of inquiry has been ordered and one of the senior-most Helicopter Pilots of the Indian Air Force is ascertaining the cause of the unfortunate mishap.

Obviously, the inquiry would also find out whether there was a pilot error or a technical failure that led to the incident besides exploring all other possibilities. The government has in the meanwhile, a tough task in its hands; the search for General Rawat’s successor as the Chief of Defence Staff has already begun and the decision may be announced by the next week. The General has left a rich legacy and was playing a pivotal role in laying out a blueprint for further integrating the three wings of the Armed forces. He had the vision and the experience to do so, and was always a no-nonsense and candid officer, who did not shy away from taking advice from his colleagues and seniors if the need arose. The advantage he had over others was that he was equally close to the political leadership after establishing a good rapport with the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, and the National Security Adviser on one hand and on the other with the officers and men who worked on the ground. He understood their hardships and would always try to take up their cause with the political bosses.

Therefore, while selecting his successor, the government will have to take into account, many aspects of the post which General Rawat held at the time of his passing away. There is speculation that the present Army Chief, General M.M.Naravane, the senior-most amongst the three service chiefs could be the frontrunner. Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) R.K.S.Bhadauria, the former Air Chief who was also in the running when General Rawat was given the coveted job, could also be amongst those being considered. The most significant dimension of our armed forces is that they are highly professional and second to none. General Rawat has left his imprint on the country’s history since he carried forward the best military traditions. After Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw and Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh, he has perhaps been one of the most distinguished officers of our forces. His memory shall inspire young soldiers and his legacy shall always live on.