Former Army Chief General Sundararajan Padmanabhan Dies at 83

August 20, 2024

General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, a former Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, died on August 19, 2024, in Chennai at the age of 83. Known as “Paddy” among friends, he is remembered for his outstanding leadership.

Career Overview

General Padmanabhan had a long military career of over 43 years. He was Chief of Army Staff from September 30, 2000, to December 31, 2002, and played a key role in important military operations.

Early Life and Education

He was born on December 5, 1940, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He attended several top military schools, including the Rashtriya Indian Military College and the National Defence Academy. He also studied at the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College.

Military Contributions

Padmanabhan was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery on December 13, 1959. Throughout his career, he held several important positions:

Commander of the Gazala Field Regiment
Led two infantry brigades and an artillery brigade
Commanded an infantry division in the Western Sector as a Major General
Led a Corps in Kashmir, focusing on counter-terrorism operations as a Lieutenant General

Legacy and Tributes

General Padmanabhan is remembered for his dedication to the nation and military excellence. His death has been mourned by many, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and State Governor R N Ravi, who praised his respected leadership. His funeral will be held on Tuesday evening.

About General Sundararajan Padmanabhan

General Padmanabhan was the 19th Chief of Army Staff from 2000 to 2002. He played a significant role in the Kargil War and was known for his strategic planning. He was the first Indian Army chief to earn a PhD in military studies and was an advocate for modernizing the army with advanced technology. After retiring, he continued to contribute to defense policy and served on various committees, also focusing on leadership training within the armed forces.

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