New Delhi: The country's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat was paid ample tributes on his 66th birht anniversary by the Department of Military Affairs.
General Bipin Rawat was a distinguished military leader with an exemplary career of over four decades. On his 66th birth anniversary today, the Department of Military Affairs paid lavish tribute to him.
The Department said, “A visionary leader, military reformer & a scholar soldier known for his professionalism, principles, conviction & decisiveness. As the first CDS & Secretary DMA, General Rawat rallied for organisational & structural reforms to integrate the Indian Armed Forces and bring in path-breaking transformational initiatives along with renewed civil-military synergy. He continues to be a beacon of inspiration for all.”
On December 8, 2021, General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and members of his staff were among 10 passengers and 4 crew members aboard an Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 helicopter flight. The helicopter was en route from the Sulur Air Force Base to the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, where Rawat was scheduled to deliver a lecture.
However, the aircraft crashed near a residential colony of private tea estate in the Katteri-Nanchappanchathram area of Coonoor taluk, Nilgiris district. General Rawat was 63 years old at the time of his death.