Major Manivannan, IAS, currently serving as Commissioner of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), has been awarded the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Commendation Card in recognition of his dedication and distinguished service with the Territorial Army.
The honour was presented by General N. S. Raja Subramani during a ceremony held on Saturday at the 106 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) PARA base in Bengaluru. The recognition acknowledges Major Manivannan’s sustained commitment, hard work and contribution to the Territorial Army while simultaneously handling demanding responsibilities in the civil administration.
Major Manivannan was commissioned into the 106 Infantry Battalion (TA) PARA on February 8, 2014. Since then, he has continued to serve with the Territorial Army alongside his career as an Indian Administrative Service officer, balancing military responsibilities with senior administrative assignments.
Defence officials highlighted his service as an example of the Territorial Army’s distinctive role in bringing together professionals from civilian life and the Armed Forces. His continued association with the battalion demonstrates the civil-military synergy at the heart of the Territorial Army, where citizens serving in different professions can also contribute directly to national defence.
The latest honour is Major Manivannan’s second significant military recognition in 2026. In April, he received a Commendation Card from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Southern Command, for outstanding service and collaborative contributions to the force.
Receiving two commendations in the same year underscores Major Manivannan’s continuing contribution to the Territorial Army while holding a senior position in Karnataka’s civil administration.
As Commissioner of the Bangalore Development Authority, Major Manivannan is responsible for important urban development and administrative functions in Bengaluru. Alongside these civilian duties, his continued service as an officer of the 106 Infantry Battalion (TA) PARA reflects the Territorial Army’s tradition of enabling citizens to serve the country in both civilian and military capacities.
