A great legacy to inspire generations of soldiers

The news of the military helicopter crash In Tamil Nadu, India, on 8th December 2021 with the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat sent a shock wave in India and abroad. The nation was glued to their radios and Televisions to ascertain no fatalities. Sadly with the Tweet of Defence Minister Shri Rajnnath Singh Ji on the following day, the country came to know the loss of everyone except one on board. India lost its most senior army officer and 11 senior defence personnel, including Gen Rawat's wife, Mrs Madhulika Rawat. It will be the darkest day in Indian history.
I had the fortune of meeting the General and his charming wife last year when I visited India to attend the Republic Day celebrations. We were the guests of the Hon. President Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. He was impressive and courteous to talk with Mrs Rawat was gracious and charming. Our meeting lasted approximately ten minutes, and I could sense that the Indian Armed Forces were in the right hands.
The crash has raised many questions about how a well-maintained helicopter operated by one of the most experience piolets could crash. No doubt there will be an inquiry in the crash what lessons can be learnt. The black box recorder has been recovered from shedding some light on the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Gen. Bipin Rawat was born in Uttarakhand in a family that has served in the Indian Army for multiple generations. His father was a Lieutenant General in the Army, and his mother was the daughter of Kishan Singh Parmar, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Uttarkashi. Gen Rawat completed his schooling in Dehradun and Shimla and later joined the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, where he received the 'Sword of Honour'. He was a four-star general and the first Chief of Defence Staff from Jan 2020 until 8th December 2021. His role was to oversee the smooth operation between the Indian Armed Forces, i.e. Army, Navy and Air Force. His role was to keep Pakistan and China under check.
Gen. Rawat was one of the most decorated Indian Army officers. He was from the Gurkha regiment, known for their loyalty and velour. He was known for his blunt-talking and was immensely respected by civilians and defence personnel. India's adversaries also respected him. He received many accolades, including from America. On his visit to the United States in 2019, General Rawat was inducted into the United States Army Command and General Staff College International Hall of Fame.
He has left a great legacy to inspire generations of soldiers. He will be greatly missed.
May he Rest in Peace in Heaven.
Jai Hind