Former Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), Lieutenant General S Pattabhiraman, passed away on Saturday at the age of 78. The Indian Army paid rich tributes to the veteran officer, remembering him as “a soldier at heart and a leader in spirit.”
In a message posted on X, the Army said, “#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS and all ranks of the #IndianArmy express deepest condolences on the sad demise of Lieutenant General S Pattabhiraman, former #VCOAS and extend heartfelt condolences to his family & loved ones. A soldier at heart and a leader in spirit, Lieutenant General Pattabhiraman’s timeless legacy will be etched in our hearts forever.”
Lt Gen Pattabhiraman had a distinguished career spanning four decades. During his service, he held several prestigious positions, including serving as the first Director General of Information Systems of the Indian Army. He also commanded the Western Command, the largest operational command of the Indian Army.
Additionally, Lt Gen Pattabhiraman served as the Colonel Commandant of The Bombay Sappers, one of the premier engineering groups of the Corps of Engineers.
He superannuated as the Vice Chief of Army Staff in 2006, capping a remarkable 40-year-long service to the nation.
The defence ministry also issued a statement highlighting his exemplary leadership and contributions to strengthening the operational capabilities and modernisation of the Indian Army.
