Dehradun: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveiled a life-size statue of the late General Bipin Rawat, the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), at TonsBridge School in Dehradun on February 12, 2024. The ceremony took place in the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, where floral tributes were paid to General Rawat, honoring his legacy as a courageous soldier and a compassionate human being.
Recalling General Rawat’s contributions, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the incident when the decorated officer was wounded due to a gunshot at a remote border post in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that this incident propelled General Rawat to strengthen the functioning of the Indian Army near the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control during his tenure as the Army Chief and later as the CDS. General Rawat exemplified the country’s military tradition, symbolizing dedication to the nation’s security, irrespective of birthplace.
The Raksha Mantri reflected on General Rawat’s last moments, describing it as the embodiment of ‘Die with your boots on.’ He expressed profound sorrow over the irreparable loss to the nation, emphasizing that General Rawat’s commitment, dedication, and patriotism were evident until the very end.
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted General Rawat’s historic appointment as the first CDS, marking a significant reform in the country’s military history. The creation of the CDS post reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces.
Speaking on the government’s duty to uphold the dignity of soldiers and honor their contributions, Shri Rajnath Singh stated, “Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, we are honoring the valor and sacrifices of our soldiers.” He emphasized the government’s efforts to equip the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art weapons/platforms and the construction of the National War Memorial in New Delhi as a fitting tribute to the bravehearts.
The Raksha Mantri appreciated the decision to install the statue within the school premises, expressing the importance of taking the stories of valor of the Armed Forces to children. He highlighted the role of statues in society and culture, serving as an inspiration for the future. Shri Rajnath Singh concluded by encouraging every child to learn from personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, former President APJ Abdul Kalam, and General Bipin Rawat, contributing to the nation-building process. The statue installation aims to instill patriotism and dedication in the younger generation, shaping their personalities for a brighter future.