Former Indian Army Chief General Sundararajan Padmanabhan Passes Away in Chennai

General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, the 20th Chief of Army Staff, passed away in Chennai. Known for his illustrious career, Padmanabhan served the Indian Army for over 43 years, commanding various units and earning prestigious awards such as the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Former Indian Army Chief General Sundararajan Padmanabhan passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, according to a statement from the Indian Army. General Padmanabhan, commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery, took charge as the 20th Chief of Army Staff on September 30, 2000.

Born on December 5, 1940, in Trivandrum, Kerala, he was an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehra Dun and the National Defence Academy in Pune. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery on December 13, 1959, after graduating from the Indian Military Academy. Padmanabhan's decorated career featured several command, staff, and instructional postings, along with participation in numerous military operations.

He commanded various units, including an Independent Light Battery and the historic Gazala Mountain Regiment. Known affectionately as Paddy within army circles, he served in critical roles such as Instructor Gunnery and Brigade Major. General Padmanabhan was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary service. Retiring on December 31, 2002, he concluded over 43 years of distinguished military service.

(With inputs from agencies.)