- Destiny does exist
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 30 September 2022. This is the first time when a retired three star general donned the uniform again to become not only a four star general but also the Chief of Defence Staff. This story reiterates faith into destiny. General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM assumed office as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) this morning creating military history. He will also be the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all Tri-Service matters as well as head Department of Military Affairs as Secretary. He will also be Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).
General Chauhan said that it was a matter of pride for him to be nominated as CDS. There are hopes and expectations among the three Services, government and citizens from the new CDS which, he said, he would fulfil to the best of his abilities. He added that the security challenges facing the nation will be dealt with jointly by the Services.
A matter of pride for many organisations across the board. For a regiment which has the Victoria Cross and the Param Vir Chakra, the 11 Gorkha Rifles also boasts of having given the first and the second CDS to India.
A matter of pride for all of us who are alumni of Kendriya Vidyalaya Fort William. Just as if having him as the Eastern Army Commander was not enough, the school takes pride in having motivated the CDS as a young boy to join the NDA.
General Chauhan is expected to take over his predecessor General Rawat’s unfinished agenda of integrating the forces to create theatre commands. Synergy between Armed forces and Government: CDS’ role is not simply about tri-service cooperation, it is equally about fostering better cooperation between the Ministry of Defense bureaucracy and the Armed services. He also has the herculean task of strategizing a safe and secure India with the two not-so-friendly neighbours, China and Pakistan. In addition he has the tough task of creating a balance between procurement via imports and Make in India with Aatmnirbharta, to ultimately have the state-of-the-art and comparable to the best in the world arms and equipment.
Geopolitics and military strategy go hand in glove in today’s world and CDS will be playing the role of a perfect bridge. His expertise, vision and experience will be the beacon to a military power on the march. He will have to initiate tough decisions but will need to stand by them and help the government to take positive decisions for the forces. An expert on the Eastern and Northern neighbour, who is the region’s self proclaimed big brother, the 2nd CDS will have his plateful. Not to forget the western neighbour who is like an ever nagging wife but wants to keep the husband happy and on his toes.
For an officer who was DGMO Indian Army during Balakot airstrike, Operations Sunrise I & II with India along side Myanmar , commanded an infantry division in Kashmir , a corps in eastern sector and was Eastern Army Commander the task might not be as formidable as it sounds with an officer like him at the helm and a great team to go ahead together. Not to forget his post retirement advisory capacity with the NSA.
Veterans have welcomed his appointment with open hearts recalling the soft speaking first serving officer to manage the Department of Indian Army Veterans as a Brigadier.
General Chauhan paid homage to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. He also inspected the Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns, in the presence of Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral SN Ghormade and other senior officers of the Armed Forces.
