India’s first chief of Defence Bipin Rawat departed from the world in a tragic crash but his skills and leadership ideologies will be imparted to our future generations, as declared a tribute ceremony organised by Free Press in association with Dr BR Ambedkar University of Social Science, Mhow, on Tuesday.
Both Free Press and University paid tribute to country's first chief of Defense staff General Bipin Rawat in Buddh Vihar, BRAUSS, Mhow, on Tuesday.
During the event, inspiring officers and diplomats addressed the gathering sharing their experience with Rawat.
Life of Rawat who led from the front...
Both Free Press and University paid tribute to country's first chief of Defense staff General Bipin Rawat in Buddh Vihar, BRAUSS, Mhow, on Tuesday.
During the event, inspiring officers and diplomats addressed the gathering sharing their experience with Rawat.
Life of Rawat who led from the front...
As shared by
Lieutenant General VS Sreenivas, Commandant, Army War College said...
“He was the one who lead from the front. Rawat was commissioned into the 5th battalion, the 11 Gorkha Rifles (5/11 GR) on 16 December 1978, the same unit as his father.
During the 1987 Sino-Indian skirmish in the Sumdorong Chu valley, then Captain Rawat's battalion was deployed against the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The standoff was the first military confrontation along the disputed McMahon Line after the 1962 war.
He has much experience in high-altitude warfare and spent ten years conducting counter-insurgency operations. He commanded a company in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir as a Major. As a Colonel, he commanded his battalion, the 5th battalion, the 11 Gorkha Rifles, in the eastern sector along the Line of Actual Control at Kibithu. Promoted to the rank of Brigadier, he commanded 5 Sector of Rashtriya Rifles in Sopore.
Rawat commanded MONUSCO (a Multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Within two weeks of deployment in the DRC, the Brigade faced a major offensive in the east which threatened the regional capital of North Kivu, Goma. The offensive also threatened to destabilise the country as a whole. The situation demanded a rapid response and North Kivu Brigade was reinforced, where it was responsible for over 7,000 men and women, representing nearly half of the total MONUSCO force. Whilst simultaneously engaged in offensive kinetic operations against the CNDP and other armed groups, Rawat (then Brigadier) carried out tactical support to the Congolese Army (FARDC), He sensitised programmes with the local population and detailed coordination to ensure that all were informed about the situation and worked together in the progress of operations. He was responsible for the protection of the vulnerable population.
This operational period lasted for four months. Goma never fell, the East stabilized and the main armed group was motivated to the negotiating table and has since been integrated into the FARDC. He was also tasked to present the Revised Charter of Peace Enforcement to the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and Force Commanders of all the UN missions in a special conference at Wilton Park, London, on 16 May 2009. Rawat was twice awarded the Force Commander’s Commendation.
After promotion to Major General, Rawat took over as the General Officer Commanding 19th Infantry Division (Uri). As a Lieutenant General, he commanded III Corps, headquartered in Dimapur, before taking over the Southern Command in Pune.
He also held staff assignments which included an instructional tenure at the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), General Staff Officer Grade 2 at the Military Operations.
He was hired in 1978 same as his father. He was deployed in URI. He also commanded in US missions. He attempted various prestigious courses in India. He was 27th chief. He brought numerous reforms. Streamlining of defense equipments. In June 2015, eighteen Indian soldiers were killed in an ambush by militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) in Manipur. The Indian Army responded with cross-border strikes in which units of the 21st battalion of the Parachute Regiment struck an NSCN-K base in Myanmar. 21 Para was under the operational control of the Dimapur based III Corps, which was then commanded by Rawat.
Rawat was vice chief during Kashmir operation. He was a man of strong beliefs and conviction. He often took unconventional decisions and despite criticism stood by it.
He worked relentless and promoted atmanirbharta. He bridged as a gap between bureaucratic and military operations.
His conviction for speaking his mind with diplomatic tendencies were often criticised. When asked about being criticised, Rawat had said, ‘I am not immune but I am true to myself and my organization’.
Until 2019, Rawat had given statements warning India to be prepared for a simultaneous war on two fronts against China and Pakistan. In September 2017, during a seminar in Delhi, Rawat said that "warfare lies within the realm of reality" along India borders with China and Pakistan, even though all the three countries have nuclear arms. According to critics, Rawat neither prepared for such an outcome nor initiated measures to thwart it.
On 15 September 2021 while speaking at an event in the capacity of the CDS at the India International Centre in New Delhi, General Rawat touched upon the theory of clash of civilisations with regards to the western civilisation and China's growing relations with countries like Iran and Turkey. The next day, on 16 September 2021, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory.”
Working under Rawat, learning to unite all the Defence forces
As shared by...
Lieutenant General (Retd) Dushyant Singh, ex-commandant, AWC said...
“We are recalling perhaps the first officer who focused on work and service to country from his first day to last. I pay tribute to him, his wife and all the brave officers.
I worked under him while he was the chief. When I retired, he was made chief of Defence.
He was a born leader. He was action oriented person. He was committed to whatever he set his mind. This is main quality of leaders.
He was an open minded person. Even if a junior staff or senior staff comes with an idea, he would always listen to it and give it a chance if it would benefit our country. Whenever there was an issue, he would always come forward ones.
First surgical strike was headed by him. Leading from the front is the first sign of a solider. No one could question him because of his integrity. Nobody could ever raise a finger all through his life. He was strictly against corruption.
In the last 5 to 6 years, Defence forces did not have any corruption cases only because of him. He was a born strategist. He has also been a junior commandant here. He knew well about social issues as well. That's the reason he could be bring out such apt reforms for Defence forces.
He changed the image of our country. Earlier we were known as soft power but in the last years from 2015, we transformed it into hard power. We did not China let take a piece of our land under his direction.
Secondly, he brought out the importance of modern technology. All the weapons in Defence forces were becoming outdated. He took up each department and took them on a road of modernisation. In times, we can not only defend but even attack the intruders.
We know our country is not very rich as compared to countries like China and America. There is a big difference in economy. So, he came up with an idea of controlling internal expenses. He reorganised many verticals. He planned so that unnecessary expenses can be cut off. He always made sure that while we do this, our defence stays up.
Economics is a major factor to take our defence forces ahead. He worked for theatre. We have been trying to unite all our three forces for years. He has taken this ahead too. We hope to take it forward. It's a matter of study and research.”
Three instances from life of Rawat
As shared by...
Lieutenant General (Retd) MG Datar said...
“I have worked with father of Bipin Rawat. We got a little chance to work together. We had a mutual respect for each other. We did several projects together.
We often met and chatted in Mhow. He came with big and transforming ideas. A lot of things were stopped. Kargil review team had noted the importance of subsidies and the need for bringing all three forces together. Rawat was given this charge.
He came up with unique ideas so that people would at least discuss and eventually after discussions, something good for country would come out in term of project.
I was expecting that Rawat will jump back even that day. I want to tell 3 main instances from the life of Rawat:
1. A few days back in Qatar war. A Jawan was given Param Vir Chakra. He went to meet his window. He touched her feet to say Namaste. She said, "You are the son which I wanted but don't have."
2. America as a junior staff. Anyone who goes there is given a place in international hall of fame. His name was recorded for good work. There when he gave a thank you note... his note was so dazzling even better than any diplomat can. He just spoke for 5 to 7 mins. His views were views of india and were appreciated.
3. Once he got a foot injury. He had a little trouble walking. He never sought disability pension. A lot of disabled were against it but he said.. he did not need help. He was setting an example for others.
Mhow is think tank of India. An officer must come 5 times to achieve a place for training.”
Become a take charge person like Rawat
As shared by
Brigader Basant K Ponwar, Inspector General, Director CTJW college, Kanker said...
“Rawat became an inspiration and a role model for the country. He was just going on his duty. He was going to address upcoming generation on how to defend our country and protect our Constitution.
Those who stand our borders and protect our Constitution are our warriors.
Everyone wanted to become like him. That is a sign of leadership. He always took care of nation. He always put nation first.
Someone asked him what to do for a job in Defence. He said Defence is a responsibility and a life. It is not a job.
He united the entire political, social, economical and psychology verticals of country with defence.
On 16 march 1958, Rawat was born in Defence family. A family where country is first, loyalty is basic and lying is not an option. There was no road back then despite attempts.
I was a commander instructor in Balgaon back then when I met Rawat. I could already identify because diamond always shines uniquely.
In 1987, he was a part of Defense force against china, when we reunited.
We had to go on a tough road in Hatipal. The route was difficult. Rawat had said, ‘I will take you. He was like that fearless and take charge kind of person’. He would idealise with stone for a brick. He organised surgical strike after Pak's action.
India became first in such a direction. He sent out a message that if looked with bad intentions, India will fight back.
For Naxal attacks, we had asked for some officers. He sent them within a week. He believed in immediate action and rapid action. We can't plan when enemy is outside the door.
Regarding Army supremacy, he believed that infantry personnel is the one who takes charge.
We have to beware of Pak and China always.
With height, we had an extra advantage. We have to follow and remember his direction.”
Rawat... a student turned hero
As shared by
Member secretary ICHR, New Delhi, Prof K Ratnam said...
When DAVV ran a course for army personnel, I would take classes for them. One day he (Rawat) was here as lieutenant general.
I prayed and wished one of them to become chief of army. After that, when we had tea, two officers came and said, ‘We have 3 officers who can become army chief’.
Out of them, one was Rawat. I am glad that one of my student became army chief. I had taken his MPhil viva, which has my signature.
He had written an excellent thesis on defence as well.
He became a major general promoted to lieutenant General and became commandant here. With his request, the thesis were shifted and kept in AWR then.
The actresses and actors as just entertainers. The heroes are true warriors that defend the country. I pray many more like him are born here.
Maybe we don't realise the importance of this chair today but this will become a role model and inspiration for everyone even after decades.
We will not fire first but once you fire, we will not stop at all.”
Proud to be alive at this moment
As shared by
Padma Shri Janak McGilligan Palta said...
“A lot of people in my family have served in Army. Being close to Indore and Mhow, always been close to army. I am proud that a research chair is being made for Rawat. There can be no better way to sustain than this.
People will learn sacrifice from it. I am proud to be alive to see this moment.”
Free Press & University will together spread Rawat’s ideologies
As shared by
Asha Shukla, vice chancellor of the university, said...
“Our mind and heart is anxious because our people in Army who were there till yesterday are no more there. Maybe god needed them for doing something good.
The people who are left behind are not ready for such a loss. If we think like a mother or daughter then it adds to more anxiety.
As per mythology, the time of birth and death is predetermined. Some people die but only in body. Their ideology keeps their life on in our environment and lives.
Our university recognises the pain of loss of Rawat. But dealing with grief is not enough. We need to play our role in society.
Further on how will the chair work is being formed.
Only a few people step forward instead of stepping back in tough times. We can be the ones stepping forward with loyalty, trust and self-less service. When we hear about such martyrs then we fell so guilty. Go and see cellular jail to see how did freedom fighters fought for our independence.
We don't say maybe. We have to do it because this chair is named after such a determined person. We will continue to work with Free Press under the chair. Free Press family and Ambedkar University family will together continue to take such initiatives and follow our country’s first chief of Defence.”
Lieutenant General VS Sreenivas, Commandant, Army War College said...
“He was the one who lead from the front. Rawat was commissioned into the 5th battalion, the 11 Gorkha Rifles (5/11 GR) on 16 December 1978, the same unit as his father.
During the 1987 Sino-Indian skirmish in the Sumdorong Chu valley, then Captain Rawat's battalion was deployed against the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The standoff was the first military confrontation along the disputed McMahon Line after the 1962 war.
He has much experience in high-altitude warfare and spent ten years conducting counter-insurgency operations. He commanded a company in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir as a Major. As a Colonel, he commanded his battalion, the 5th battalion, the 11 Gorkha Rifles, in the eastern sector along the Line of Actual Control at Kibithu. Promoted to the rank of Brigadier, he commanded 5 Sector of Rashtriya Rifles in Sopore.
Rawat commanded MONUSCO (a Multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Within two weeks of deployment in the DRC, the Brigade faced a major offensive in the east which threatened the regional capital of North Kivu, Goma. The offensive also threatened to destabilise the country as a whole. The situation demanded a rapid response and North Kivu Brigade was reinforced, where it was responsible for over 7,000 men and women, representing nearly half of the total MONUSCO force. Whilst simultaneously engaged in offensive kinetic operations against the CNDP and other armed groups, Rawat (then Brigadier) carried out tactical support to the Congolese Army (FARDC), He sensitised programmes with the local population and detailed coordination to ensure that all were informed about the situation and worked together in the progress of operations. He was responsible for the protection of the vulnerable population.
This operational period lasted for four months. Goma never fell, the East stabilized and the main armed group was motivated to the negotiating table and has since been integrated into the FARDC. He was also tasked to present the Revised Charter of Peace Enforcement to the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and Force Commanders of all the UN missions in a special conference at Wilton Park, London, on 16 May 2009. Rawat was twice awarded the Force Commander’s Commendation.
After promotion to Major General, Rawat took over as the General Officer Commanding 19th Infantry Division (Uri). As a Lieutenant General, he commanded III Corps, headquartered in Dimapur, before taking over the Southern Command in Pune.
He also held staff assignments which included an instructional tenure at the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), General Staff Officer Grade 2 at the Military Operations.
He was hired in 1978 same as his father. He was deployed in URI. He also commanded in US missions. He attempted various prestigious courses in India. He was 27th chief. He brought numerous reforms. Streamlining of defense equipments. In June 2015, eighteen Indian soldiers were killed in an ambush by militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) in Manipur. The Indian Army responded with cross-border strikes in which units of the 21st battalion of the Parachute Regiment struck an NSCN-K base in Myanmar. 21 Para was under the operational control of the Dimapur based III Corps, which was then commanded by Rawat.
Rawat was vice chief during Kashmir operation. He was a man of strong beliefs and conviction. He often took unconventional decisions and despite criticism stood by it.
He worked relentless and promoted atmanirbharta. He bridged as a gap between bureaucratic and military operations.
His conviction for speaking his mind with diplomatic tendencies were often criticised. When asked about being criticised, Rawat had said, ‘I am not immune but I am true to myself and my organization’.
Until 2019, Rawat had given statements warning India to be prepared for a simultaneous war on two fronts against China and Pakistan. In September 2017, during a seminar in Delhi, Rawat said that "warfare lies within the realm of reality" along India borders with China and Pakistan, even though all the three countries have nuclear arms. According to critics, Rawat neither prepared for such an outcome nor initiated measures to thwart it.
On 15 September 2021 while speaking at an event in the capacity of the CDS at the India International Centre in New Delhi, General Rawat touched upon the theory of clash of civilisations with regards to the western civilisation and China's growing relations with countries like Iran and Turkey. The next day, on 16 September 2021, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar conveyed to his Chinese counterpart that India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory.”
Working under Rawat, learning to unite all the Defence forces
As shared by...
Lieutenant General (Retd) Dushyant Singh, ex-commandant, AWC said...
“We are recalling perhaps the first officer who focused on work and service to country from his first day to last. I pay tribute to him, his wife and all the brave officers.
I worked under him while he was the chief. When I retired, he was made chief of Defence.
He was a born leader. He was action oriented person. He was committed to whatever he set his mind. This is main quality of leaders.
He was an open minded person. Even if a junior staff or senior staff comes with an idea, he would always listen to it and give it a chance if it would benefit our country. Whenever there was an issue, he would always come forward ones.
First surgical strike was headed by him. Leading from the front is the first sign of a solider. No one could question him because of his integrity. Nobody could ever raise a finger all through his life. He was strictly against corruption.
In the last 5 to 6 years, Defence forces did not have any corruption cases only because of him. He was a born strategist. He has also been a junior commandant here. He knew well about social issues as well. That's the reason he could be bring out such apt reforms for Defence forces.
He changed the image of our country. Earlier we were known as soft power but in the last years from 2015, we transformed it into hard power. We did not China let take a piece of our land under his direction.
Secondly, he brought out the importance of modern technology. All the weapons in Defence forces were becoming outdated. He took up each department and took them on a road of modernisation. In times, we can not only defend but even attack the intruders.
We know our country is not very rich as compared to countries like China and America. There is a big difference in economy. So, he came up with an idea of controlling internal expenses. He reorganised many verticals. He planned so that unnecessary expenses can be cut off. He always made sure that while we do this, our defence stays up.
Economics is a major factor to take our defence forces ahead. He worked for theatre. We have been trying to unite all our three forces for years. He has taken this ahead too. We hope to take it forward. It's a matter of study and research.”
Three instances from life of Rawat
As shared by...
Lieutenant General (Retd) MG Datar said...
“I have worked with father of Bipin Rawat. We got a little chance to work together. We had a mutual respect for each other. We did several projects together.
We often met and chatted in Mhow. He came with big and transforming ideas. A lot of things were stopped. Kargil review team had noted the importance of subsidies and the need for bringing all three forces together. Rawat was given this charge.
He came up with unique ideas so that people would at least discuss and eventually after discussions, something good for country would come out in term of project.
I was expecting that Rawat will jump back even that day. I want to tell 3 main instances from the life of Rawat:
1. A few days back in Qatar war. A Jawan was given Param Vir Chakra. He went to meet his window. He touched her feet to say Namaste. She said, "You are the son which I wanted but don't have."
2. America as a junior staff. Anyone who goes there is given a place in international hall of fame. His name was recorded for good work. There when he gave a thank you note... his note was so dazzling even better than any diplomat can. He just spoke for 5 to 7 mins. His views were views of india and were appreciated.
3. Once he got a foot injury. He had a little trouble walking. He never sought disability pension. A lot of disabled were against it but he said.. he did not need help. He was setting an example for others.
Mhow is think tank of India. An officer must come 5 times to achieve a place for training.”
Become a take charge person like Rawat
As shared by
Brigader Basant K Ponwar, Inspector General, Director CTJW college, Kanker said...
“Rawat became an inspiration and a role model for the country. He was just going on his duty. He was going to address upcoming generation on how to defend our country and protect our Constitution.
Those who stand our borders and protect our Constitution are our warriors.
Everyone wanted to become like him. That is a sign of leadership. He always took care of nation. He always put nation first.
Someone asked him what to do for a job in Defence. He said Defence is a responsibility and a life. It is not a job.
He united the entire political, social, economical and psychology verticals of country with defence.
On 16 march 1958, Rawat was born in Defence family. A family where country is first, loyalty is basic and lying is not an option. There was no road back then despite attempts.
I was a commander instructor in Balgaon back then when I met Rawat. I could already identify because diamond always shines uniquely.
In 1987, he was a part of Defense force against china, when we reunited.
We had to go on a tough road in Hatipal. The route was difficult. Rawat had said, ‘I will take you. He was like that fearless and take charge kind of person’. He would idealise with stone for a brick. He organised surgical strike after Pak's action.
India became first in such a direction. He sent out a message that if looked with bad intentions, India will fight back.
For Naxal attacks, we had asked for some officers. He sent them within a week. He believed in immediate action and rapid action. We can't plan when enemy is outside the door.
Regarding Army supremacy, he believed that infantry personnel is the one who takes charge.
We have to beware of Pak and China always.
With height, we had an extra advantage. We have to follow and remember his direction.”
Rawat... a student turned hero
As shared by
Member secretary ICHR, New Delhi, Prof K Ratnam said...
When DAVV ran a course for army personnel, I would take classes for them. One day he (Rawat) was here as lieutenant general.
I prayed and wished one of them to become chief of army. After that, when we had tea, two officers came and said, ‘We have 3 officers who can become army chief’.
Out of them, one was Rawat. I am glad that one of my student became army chief. I had taken his MPhil viva, which has my signature.
He had written an excellent thesis on defence as well.
He became a major general promoted to lieutenant General and became commandant here. With his request, the thesis were shifted and kept in AWR then.
The actresses and actors as just entertainers. The heroes are true warriors that defend the country. I pray many more like him are born here.
Maybe we don't realise the importance of this chair today but this will become a role model and inspiration for everyone even after decades.
We will not fire first but once you fire, we will not stop at all.”
Proud to be alive at this moment
As shared by
Padma Shri Janak McGilligan Palta said...
“A lot of people in my family have served in Army. Being close to Indore and Mhow, always been close to army. I am proud that a research chair is being made for Rawat. There can be no better way to sustain than this.
People will learn sacrifice from it. I am proud to be alive to see this moment.”
Free Press & University will together spread Rawat’s ideologies
As shared by
Asha Shukla, vice chancellor of the university, said...
“Our mind and heart is anxious because our people in Army who were there till yesterday are no more there. Maybe god needed them for doing something good.
The people who are left behind are not ready for such a loss. If we think like a mother or daughter then it adds to more anxiety.
As per mythology, the time of birth and death is predetermined. Some people die but only in body. Their ideology keeps their life on in our environment and lives.
Our university recognises the pain of loss of Rawat. But dealing with grief is not enough. We need to play our role in society.
Further on how will the chair work is being formed.
Only a few people step forward instead of stepping back in tough times. We can be the ones stepping forward with loyalty, trust and self-less service. When we hear about such martyrs then we fell so guilty. Go and see cellular jail to see how did freedom fighters fought for our independence.
We don't say maybe. We have to do it because this chair is named after such a determined person. We will continue to work with Free Press under the chair. Free Press family and Ambedkar University family will together continue to take such initiatives and follow our country’s first chief of Defence.”
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