Tribute to General Bipin Rawat

by Dinesh K Kapila  

Our Regards

Our Respect (Published in The Main Edition of Times of India)
This should ideally be written by my father, Major General Rajendra Nath, PVSM (Retd) from the 11 Gorkha Rifles (1947 Commission). However sadly due to the infirmities of okd age, he is unable to contribute. However as the son of a 11 GR officer (Regimental Burro) we convey our deepest regards and respect to Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat, Brig Lidder and Lt Col Harinder Singh (Also 11 GR) and all on board the ill fated helicopter. Our prayers for strength to their families.
The links with the Army never broke for my father post retirement. Specially with his Regiment 11 GR. Over the years he watched with keen interest and pride the careers of a few officers, specially those who were the sons of Regimental Officers. Gen Bipin Rawat was certainly one of them.
Actually his father, Lt Gen Lakshman Singh Rawat, being from 11 GR was obviously well known to Dad. They were generally from the same era so to say. He would always tell us I know him (General Rawat) but I actually know his father much much better and would then proceed at times to write to Lt Gen Rawat.
He watched the career progression of General Rawat with keen interest and pride , I would say a mix of Regimental cum Old Burro pride.
During any phone call (not regular but now and then) they would first discuss issues most ex servicemen always discuss and then would surely inquire about his parents and that he was proud that their son was doing so well. I think it was due to the connection with his father that General Bipin Rawat surely indulged him most affectionately. This was his outstanding quality that no matter where he was or how busy, if he agreed to take a call, he was polite and generous with his memories and time. Every festival and New Year he remembered my father with a personalised communication.
When as Corps Commander his helicopter crashed my father spent hours on the phone to be sure he was well and got a most affectionate letter from then Lt Gen Rawat too.
There is one such incident which we surely recall and which only enhanced our respect for him. My mother had passed away and my father stayed engrossed in the Institute for the Blind but was inwardly grieving.
As the Army Chief General Rawat visited Chandimandir and we got a call that my father was invited to a formal dinner. My father after some thought told me to regret with regards as he was now very old. And that he would not know most officers plus minus my mother he did not feel upto it. I conveyed the same. Then a senior officer called up to convey Dad was sincerely invited and that it was the request of the Chief himself. I told my father to go. He refused saying home and the Institute were all he wanted. Late evening we got a call and as I explained the officer told me General Rawat wanted to speak to my father. He addressed him most respectfully and stated he would only proceed for dinner if Dad attended. Well touched and saying retired or not and very old or not you don’t say no to the Chief,, he went immediately. With a straight back and Josh. He came back years younger and very emotional. The grace and courtesy and respect extended to him was something which became an abiding happy memory. We in the family will always be thankful to General Bipin Rawat for this kind respect and courtesy. It was a hall mark of his character and was innate in him. Later at my daughter’s wedding he sent out through a formal messenger a lovely gift and a card.
Our regards and prayers once again and we remain grateful for the respect shown to an old Regimental Burro. May he and his wife be at peace always as all others on that Ill fated helicopter. And prayers for strength to their families and loved ones.