Army Mourns Gen Sundararajan Padmanabhan’s Death At 83, Honours ‘Legacy Of Exemplary Leadership’
General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, the former Chief of Army Staff, passed away at 83 after a prolonged illness. The Indian Army expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to his family.
The Indian Army on Monday mourned the passing of General Sundararajan Padmanabhan (Retired), the 20th Chief of Army Staff. The Ministry of Defence issued a statement expressing profound sorrow and paying tribute to General Padmanabhan, who passed away last night in Chennai at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness. The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, along with all ranks of the Indian Army, have extended their heartfelt condolences to his family.
"The Indian Army deeply mourns the passing of General Sundararajan Padmanabhan (Retired), who served as the 20th Chief of The Army Staff. The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Indian Army offer their tribute and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," the statement read.
"General Padmanabhan passed away last night in Chennai after a prolonged illness at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of exemplary leadership and dedication to the nation," it added.
We are deeply saddened by the passing away of General Sundararajan Padmanabhan. #GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS and all ranks of the #IndianArmy, extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
A visionary leader and accomplished soldier, General Padmanabhan served as… pic.twitter.com/wje63AKoSn — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 19, 2024
Gen Sundararajan Padmanabhan Led Army During Operation Parakram
General Padmanabhan, born on December 5, 1940, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was a celebrated alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun and the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla. His illustrious career began when he was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery on December 13, 1959, and spanned over four decades.
Throughout his distinguished service, General Padmanabhan held various pivotal command, staff, and instructional roles. He commanded the Gazala Field Regiment, two infantry brigades, and an artillery brigade. As a Major General, he led an Infantry Division in the Western Sector, and as a Lieutenant General, he commanded a Corps in the Kashmir Valley, significantly contributing to counter-terrorism operations, as per the statement.
On September 1, 1996, he was appointed General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command and later the Southern Command. He assumed the position of Chief of Army Staff on October 1, 2000, and led the Indian Army through a critical period during ‘Operation PARAKRAM’. He retired on December 31, 2002, after 43 years of service.
General Padmanabhan was affectionately known as "Paddy" among his peers and was renowned for his dedication to soldier welfare, army modernisation, and strategic vision. He also served as an Honorary ADC to the President of India.
In addition to his military achievements, General Padmanabhan was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his role as the 15 Corps Commander and was recognised with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) during his career.
"The nation will remember General Padmanabhan for his unwavering dedication and contributions to national security. May his soul rest in peace," the defence ministry stated.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the passing of General Padmanabhan, highlighting his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to national security. Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi also paid his respects to the former Chief of Army Staff at his residence in Adyar, Chennai, news agency PTI reported.
STORY | Ex-Army Chief Gen Sundararajan Padmanabhan dies in Chennai
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 19, 2024
READ: https://t.co/PuAKYp97nF pic.twitter.com/gAbsIa1pfN
General Padmanabhan is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son. His children are expected to arrive from the United States tonight. The funeral will be held tomorrow evening.
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