Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday led the nation in paying glowing tributes to General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other persons on board the Mi-17 V5 helicopter who were killed after their helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The mortal remains of General Rawat and his wife, along with other armed forces personnel who died today, are expected to arrive in Delhi by Thursday evening, said sources. The last rites will be performed on Friday.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said: “I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the Armed Forces. They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti.”
PM Modi said that as India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to the country’s armed forces including defence reforms. “He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service,” the Prime Minister said.
President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted: “I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika Ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family.” President Kovind further added, “It’s deeply painful for me to learn of the loss of lives in the chopper crash. I join my fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: “Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country. General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our Armed Forces.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: “He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions and commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this tragic loss.” Praying for the speedy recovery of Group Captain Varun Singh, the Home Minister added.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar tweeted: “Deeply shocked at tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife. We worked closely together in the last few years. It is a huge loss to the nation.”
The Indian Army on Wednesday condoled the death of CDS Rawat. “General Bipin Rawat, India’s first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far-reaching reforms in the Indian military’s higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India’s joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations,” it said. The statement also said that Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA (Army Wives Welfare Association) was an “epitome of grace” whose presence will be missed by everyone. “The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces,” added the statement.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also extended his condolences to the family of General Bipin Rawat and his wife and termed the incident an “unprecedented tragedy”. “I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife. This is an unprecedented tragedy and our thoughts are with their family in this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences also to all others who lost their lives. India stands united in this grief,” the Congress leader tweeted.
The Uttarakhand government declared a three-day State mourning from 9 December over the sudden demise of Bipin Rawat. “Chief Minister has declared three-day State mourning in Uttarakhand on the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other Armed Forces personnel in a helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu earlier today,” Abhinav Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Uttarakhand CM said in a statement issued by Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Bipin Rawat belonged to Uttarakhand.