By: Pallab Ghosh
Radiance News Service

India has lost its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat a short while ago. His wife Madhulika Rawat, and 13 others were also killed when their IAF Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu‘s Nilgiris district on Wednesday. General Rawat was among the most decorated officers of the Indian Army who had served various important offices.  

Let's take a glance at the illustrious career of Late CDS General Bipin Rawat:

Retiring Army chief, General Bipin Rawat, was appointed the first tri-service chief with effect from December 31, 2019.

General Bipin Rawat as CDS was a one-point advisor to the government on matters related to the military - Army, Navy and the Air Force. He remained the permanent Chief of Staff Committee (COSC).

General Rawat had taken over as Chief of Army Staff from General Dalbir Singh Suhag on December 17, 2016, as the 27th COAS.

General Rawat was an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA).

General Rawat was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1978 in the same unit as his father, the fifth battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles.

He became the Vice-Chief of Army Staff before becoming the fourth officer from the Gorkha Brigade to become the COAS.