Former Army Chief General S. Padmanabhan passes away at 83
PTC News Desk: General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, the former Chief of Army Staff, passed away in Chennai at the age of 83 due to age-related ailments, as confirmed by a close source on Monday. Fondly known as “Paddy” within army circles, General Padmanabhan served as the Chief of Army Staff from September 30, 2000, to December 31, 2002, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and distinguished service.
Born on December 5, 1940, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, General Padmanabhan’s illustrious military journey began at the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun. He later attended the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, and graduated from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on December 13, 1959, being commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery.
Throughout his remarkable career, General Padmanabhan held numerous prestigious command, staff, and instructional positions. His early commands included an Independent Artillery Brigade and a Mountain Brigade. He also completed the esteemed National Defence College (NDC) course in Delhi, further cementing his credentials as a strategic leader.
In recognition of his exceptional service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his role as the 15 Corps Commander in the Kashmir Valley. During his tenure from July 1993 to February 1995, the Army made significant strides in counter-insurgency operations, effectively reducing militant activities in the region.
General Padmanabhan’s service record is a testament to his leadership and expertise. He commanded the Gazala Mountain Regiment, one of the oldest artillery regiments in the Indian Army, from September 1977 to March 1980. His instructional prowess was evident during his time as Instructor Gunnery at the School of Artillery in Deolali and during his two tenures as an instructor at the IMA.
His career saw him in key positions, including Brigade Major of an infantry brigade and Colonel General Staff of a Mountain Division, where he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). From December 1988 to February 1991, he commanded an Infantry Brigade in Ranchi, Bihar, and Punjab, before being appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of an Infantry Division in Punjab from March 1991 to August 1992.
General Padmanabhan also served as Chief of Staff of 3 Corps and later as Director General Military Intelligence (DGMI), roles that showcased his strategic acumen. He eventually took command of the Northern Command at Udhampur on September 1, 1996, where he continued to lead with distinction.
Before his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Southern Command. General Padmanabhan retired on December 31, 2002, after an illustrious career spanning over 43 years, leaving an indelible mark on the Indian Army and the nation.
His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in India’s military history, as the country mourns the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.