What is general bipin rawat?

General Bipin Rawat was an Indian military officer who served as the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India from January 2020 until his death in December 2021. Prior to that, he served as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army, from 2016 to 2019.

Rawat had a long and distinguished career in the Indian Army, spanning over four decades. He was commissioned into the 5th battalion, the 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1978. He commanded an infantry battalion along the Line of Actual Control, a Rashtriya Rifles sector, and an infantry division. He also served as a brigade commander in the multinational UN peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was known for his experience in counter-insurgency operations.

As CDS, General Rawat was tasked with integrating the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces – the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force – to improve coordination and efficiency. His role included streamlining procurement processes, promoting joint training exercises, and modernizing the armed forces.

General Rawat and his wife, Madhulika Rawat, along with 12 others, died in a helicopter crash near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, on December 8, 2021. His death was a significant loss to the Indian military and the nation. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, in 2022.