In a historic first for the Indian military, two former classmates from the Sainik School in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, have ascended to the highest positions in the Indian Armed Forces. Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, who studied together in the early 1970s, now lead the Indian Army and Navy, respectively. Their remarkable journey from schoolmates to service chiefs is a testament to their dedication and the training they received.
Early Days at Sainik School Rewa
In the 1970s, Upendra Dwivedi and Dinesh Tripathi were enrolled in class 5A at Sainik School Rewa. They were assigned roll numbers 931 and 938, respectively. The school, established to prepare young boys for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA), has a proud history of nurturing future military leaders. However, this is the first time that two alumni from the same batch have risen to the highest ranks in both the Army and the Navy.
Distinguished Careers in Service
Both General Dwivedi and Admiral Tripathi have illustrious careers spanning several decades. General Dwivedi, a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, was commissioned into the Indian Army on December 15, 1984.
Admiral Tripathi, also an NDA alumnus, joined the Indian Navy on July 1, 1985. Over the years, both officers have held various critical positions within their respective services, showcasing their leadership and strategic acumen.
General Dwivedi has served in diverse operational environments, including the Northern, Western, and Eastern Theatres. His experience spans varied terrains such as deserts, high altitudes, riverine, built-up areas, the Northeast, and Jammu and Kashmir. He commanded his battalion in active counter-terrorist operations in Kashmir Valley and in the Rajasthan deserts. His tenure as the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR) and various staff and command appointments in the Northeast have further solidified his reputation as a seasoned leader.
Admiral Tripathi, like his classmate, has held significant positions within the Navy. Prior to becoming the Navy Chief, he served as the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, a role that provided him with extensive operational and administrative experience. His leadership qualities and strategic vision have been instrumental in steering the Navy towards modernization and enhanced operational capabilities.
Historic Appointments
Admiral Tripathi took command of the Indian Navy on May 1, while General Dwivedi was slated to assume charge of the Indian Army on June 1. However, his appointment was delayed by a month due to an extension granted to the existing Army Chief, General Manoj Pande. Such extensions are rare and have only been granted twice before, to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and General GG Bewoor, due to the exigencies of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The Defence Ministry spokesperson, A Bharat Bhushan Babu, highlighted this historic moment in a social media post X (formerly Twitter), stating, “For the first time in Indian Military history, Chiefs of Navy and Army hail from the same school. This rare honour of nurturing two prodigious students, who would go on to lead their respective Services 50 years later, goes to Sainik School, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.”
Impact and Significance
The simultaneous rise of General Dwivedi and Admiral Tripathi to the pinnacle of their respective services underscores the quality of education and training provided by Sainik School Rewa. It also serves as an inspiration to current and future students of the institution, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and the right guidance, it is possible to achieve great heights.
Their appointments also highlight the importance of strong leadership in the armed forces. Both officers bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of military operations, which will be crucial in navigating the complex security challenges facing India today.