Indian Army has established a ‘Chair of Excellence’ at USI in remembrance of Gen Rawat

            Army Chief Gen MM Naravane announced on Tuesday the establishment of a ‘Chair of Excellence’ at the United Service Institution of India in commemoration of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat (USI).

The statement comes on the occasion of Gen Rawat’s 65th birthday, which he perished in a helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8.

The Army stated in a statement that “a check for Rs 5 lakh was handed over to Maj Gen BK Sharma (retd), Director, USI, which would be given as honorarium to the nominated Chair of Excellence”.

“Late General Bipin Rawat, who served as India’s first CDS as well as the 27th Chief of the Indian Army, was an excellent professional who was in the midst of guiding one of the most drastic reforms of the Indian military”, the statement stated.

The Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Chair of Excellence will focus on armed forces jointness and integration.

“The Chair of Excellence is a suitable testament to the General’s astute leadership and professionalism”, the Army stated.