General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, affectionately known as “Paddy,” passed away in Chennai at the age of 83. Serving as Chief of Army Staff from 2000 to 2002, he left behind a distinguished legacy in the Indian Army, marked by numerous key roles and accomplishments in military leadership.
General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, a stalwart of the Indian Army and fondly known as “Paddy” among his peers, passed away in Chennai due to old age, as reported by a close source on Monday. Born on December 5, 1940, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, General Padmanabhan’s journey from a young cadet at the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) to the esteemed position of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is a testament to his dedication and service to the nation.
General Padmanabhan’s illustrious career in the Indian Army began when he was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery after graduating from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on December 13, 1959. His military journey was marked by several significant command, staff, and instructional roles that showcased his strategic acumen and leadership.
During his early years, he commanded an Independent Artillery Brigade and a Mountain Brigade, before attending the prestigious National Defence College (NDC) course in Delhi. His exceptional service as the 15 Corps Commander in Kashmir, where the Army made significant gains against militants, earned him the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, General Padmanabhan also completed his education at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington in 1973. He commanded the Gazala Mountain Regiment, one of the oldest artillery regiments of the Indian Army, from September 1977 to March 1980. This regiment has a proud history of participation in numerous wars.
Throughout his career, General Padmanabhan held various prestigious positions, including Instructor Gunnery at the School of Artillery in Deolali, Brigade Major of an infantry brigade, and Colonel General Staff of a Mountain Division, where he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). He also served two tenures as an instructor at the IMA, further shaping the future of the Indian Army.
His leadership extended to commanding an Infantry Brigade in Ranchi, Bihar, and Punjab from December 1988 to February 1991. He was later appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of an Infantry Division in Punjab from March 1991 to August 1992. His strategic insights were further utilized when he served as Chief of Staff for the 3 Corps from September 1992 to June 1993.
Upon his promotion to Lieutenant General, General Padmanabhan commanded the 15 Corps in the Kashmir Valley from July 1993 to February 1995. His tenure as 15 Corps Commander was marked by notable successes against militants, leading to a scaling down of operations in the region.
His exceptional service continued as he took over as Director General Military Intelligence (DGMI), after which he became the GOC of the Northern Command at Udhampur on September 1, 1996. Before his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, he also served as GOC of Southern Command.
General Sundararajan Padmanabhan retired on December 31, 2002, after more than 43 years of distinguished military service. His contributions to the Indian Army, particularly during his tenure as COAS from September 30, 2000, to December 31, 2002, remain a significant part of India’s military history.
General Padmanabhan’s life and service epitomize the highest standards of leadership and dedication. His contributions to the Indian Army have left an indelible mark on the nation’s defense forces, and he will be remembered as one of India’s most respected military leaders.
