S. Pattabhiraman (officer)
S. Pattabhiraman | |
|---|---|
| Vice Chief of the Army Staff | |
| In office 1 October 2005 – 31 December 2006 | |
| Preceded by | Lt Gen Bhupinder Singh Thakur |
| Succeeded by | Lt Gen Milan Lalitkumar Naidu |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 1, 1946 |
| Died | April 26, 2025 (aged 79) Wellington, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Awards | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | India |
| Branch/service | Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1966–2006 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Unit | Bombay Sappers |
| Commands |
|
Lieutenant General S. Pattabhiraman PVSM, AVSM , SM, VSM (1946 – 26 April 2025) was a senior officer in the Indian Army who served as the 27th Vice Chief of the Army Staff from October 2005 to December 2006.
Over a distinguished 40-year career, he held several key positions, including General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, the first Director General of Information Systems, and Defence Attaché to Turkey. He was also the Colonel Commandant of the Bombay Sappers.[1]
Early life and education
Pattabhiraman was born in 1946. He joined the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1966. He was associated with the Bombay Sappers, one of the premier engineering groups of the Indian Army.[2]
Military career
Throughout his career, Pattabhiraman held various prestigious appointments:
- Defence Attaché to Ankara, Turkey: Represented India in Turkey, strengthening military ties between the two nations.[2]
- Director General of Information Systems: As the first to hold this position, he was instrumental in modernizing the Army's information infrastructure.[3]
- General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command: Led the largest operational command of the Indian Army.[2]
- Colonel Commandant, Bombay Sappers: Served in this honorary position, overseeing regimental affairs.[1]
He was known for his commitment to operational preparedness and played a role in conceptualizing the Army’s vision for the future.[2]
Vice Chief of the Army Staff
Pattabhiraman served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from 1 October 2005 to 31 December 2006.[4] In this capacity, he was responsible for ensuring the Army's readiness and contributed to strategic planning and modernization efforts.[3]
Post-retirement
After retiring in December 2006, Pattabhiraman continued to serve the nation as an administrative member of the Armed Forces Tribunal in Chennai, adjudicating matters related to service personnel.[5]
Death
Pattabhiraman passed away on 26 April 2025 at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu , at the age of 78. The Indian Army paid tribute, describing him as "a soldier at heart and a leader in spirit".[1]
Awards and decorations
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
- Sena Medal (SM)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
References
- ^ a b c "Ex-Vice Chief Of Army, Lt General S Pattabhiraman, Dies At 78". NDTV. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Former Army Vice Chief Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman passes away at 78". The Tribune. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Former vice chief of Army Lt Gen Pattabhiraman dies". The Economic Times. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ "Vice Chief of the Army Staff (India)". Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ "Former Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman Passes Away at 78". Abhipedia. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.