Mumbai: Known as one of India’s best military commanders, General Sundararajan Padmanabhan (83), PVSM, AVSM, VSM, and who served as the 20th Chief of The Army Staff, passed away in Chennai on Sunday night following a protracted illness. He leaves behind his wife Roopa, two children and three grandchildren.
Mourning his demise, present Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, offered tribute and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the army. The army stated, “The nation will forever cherish his invaluable contribution.”
General Padmanabhan was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on December 5, 1940. He was a graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun. On December 13, 1959, he received his commission into the Regiment of Artillery, which signalled the start of an incredible career spanning more than 40 years.
Throughout his tenure, General Padmanabhan held many important staff, command, and instructional positions. He oversaw the Gazala Field Regiment, two infantry brigades, and an artillery unit. As a major general, he oversaw an Infantry Division in the Western Sector. As a lieutenant general, he oversaw a Corps in the Kashmir Valley, and he was instrumental in counterterrorism efforts there.
General Padmanabhan, fondly referred to as “Paddy” by his colleagues, left a legacy characterised by his dedication to military welfare, modernisation of the Indian Army, and strategic vision. He was also the President of India’s Honorary ADC.
When India initiated “Operation Parakram” in response to the terror attack on Parliament in December 2001, he was the army chief. Following the 1971 Indo-Pak War, it was the army’s largest mobilisation.
He wrote three books that represent his extensive knowledge. After retiring, he contributed to society through literary endeavours and perceptive discussions on strategic topics.
During the period of terrorism in the Kashmir valley, from 1993 to 1995, the general commanded the 15 Corps, which was headquartered in Srinagar.
General Padmanabhan assumed the office of the Chief of Army Staff on October 1, 2000, and served in that capacity from October 2000 to December 2002.
The general served the country with distinction for 43 years before retiring on December 31, 2002.
After retirement, the general avoided the spotlight and turned down a governorship.
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