General Rawat who was India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, died in a helicopter crash
India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika Rawat were killed in a chopper crash in Tamil Nadu on Dec 8, 2021. Twelve others present in the helicopter also met with a tragic end. On India’s 73rd Republic Day, the Home Ministry announced that General Rawat would be awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously for his services to the country. The Padma Vibhushan is India’s second highest civilian award. General Rawat was India’s, longest-serving four-star General with four decades of service during which he won several Presidential Awards including Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), Sena Medal (SM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
