Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh Takes Over as Vice Chief of Army Staff, Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes of OP PAWAN
New Delhi, August 1: In a solemn and proud moment for the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh today assumed charge as the new Vice Chief of the Army Staff (#VCOAS), succeeding Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, who superannuated after an illustrious career spanning 39 years.
The day began with a moving tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh laid a wreath to honour the supreme sacrifice of soldiers who served under his command during a daring counter-terror operation — Operation PAWAN — in Sri Lanka on 22 July 1989.
The ceremony held special emotional significance as it was attended by Veer Naris and family members of the bravehearts who had made the ultimate sacrifice in that mission.
At the time of the operation, Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh was a young Second Lieutenant leading a 13-member Quick Reaction Team en route from Iranamadu to Kilinochchi when they came under sudden fire from LTTE terrorists.
Demonstrating remarkable courage and leadership, he led a swift counter-assault that neutralised four LTTE militants and injured several others, despite the loss of five Indian soldiers in the fierce encounter.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, Lt Gen Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour at South Block, marking the official assumption of his new role as Vice Chief.
On the other hand, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, the outgoing Vice Chief, also paid homage at the National War Memorial earlier in the day, marking the conclusion of his nearly four-decade-long military career.
Known for his strategic acumen, operational brilliance, and statesman-like conduct, Lt Gen Subramani leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.
#IndianArmy #VCOAS #OperationPAWAN #NationalWarMemorial #SouthBlock #LtGenPushpendraSingh #LtGenNSRajaSubramani
