Indian Army bids heartfelt goodbye to Rtd. General Padmanabhan with full military honours

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 20 (ANI): The Indian Army bid a solemn and heartfelt goodbye with full military honours on Tuesday to Retired General Padmanabhan, former Chief of Army Staff, who served the nation with distinction for over 43 years, and passed away in Chennai on August 18.

Affectionately known as “Paddy” within the Army circles, he culminated his illustrious career as the Chief of Army Staff from 2000 to 2002. He was 83 years old and is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son.

The last rites of General Padmanabhan were conducted with full military honours at the Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium in Chennai.

Several senior serving officers paid tribute and laid wreaths in a mark of deep respect and reverence to General Padmanabhan.

A wreath was also laid on behalf of the Chief of the Army Staff. Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General Artillery and Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, General Officer Commanding of Dakshin Bharat Area

Several veterans who served alongside General Padmanabhan also gathered to pay their last respects, and reflected on his exceptional leadership, commitment, and the indelible legacy he left behind in the Indian Army.

The Indian Army extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and joined them in mourning the loss of a true soldier and leader.

Earlier, on August 11, Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Indian Army paid tribute to Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma, who lost their lives in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag.

“#GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS and All Ranks of #IndianArmy salute the supreme sacrifice of #Bravehearts Hav Dipak Kumar Yadav & L/Nk Praveen Sharma, who laid down their lives in the line of duty, in Anantnag, J&K,” the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), said in a post on X.