General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, who passed away in Chennai today at the age of 83, leaves behind an indelible mark on the Indian Army and the nation. His illustrious career, spanning over four decades, was distinguished by strategic acumen, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of soldiers. As the 20th Chief of Army Staff of India, General Padmanabhan’s leadership from 30 September 2000 to 31 December 2002 was a period of profound significance in the nation’s military history.
Early Life and Formative Years
Born on 5 December 1940 in Trivandrum, Kerala, General Padmanabhan’s journey into the annals of military leadership began with a rigorous education at prestigious institutions. He was an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun and the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakvasla. His academic and military training laid a strong foundation for his future role as a leader in the Indian Army. Commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery on 13 December 1959, after graduating from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Padmanabhan embarked on a career that would see him rise through the ranks to become one of India’s most respected military leaders.
Distinguished Military Career
General Padmanabhan’s career was marked by several vital roles highlighting his exceptional leadership and strategic thinking. He was commissioned into the Artillery Regiment on 13 December 1959 after graduating from the Indian Military Academy (IMA). He commanded an Independent Light Battalion from August 1975 to July 1976 and the Gazala Mountain Regiment from September 1977 to March 1980. General Padmanabhan served as an Instructor Gunnery at the School of Artillery in Deolali and as Colonel General Staff of a Mountain Division from January 1983 to May 1985. He commanded an Infantry Brigade from December 1988 to February 1991 and was later appointed General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division in Punjab from March 1991 to August 1992. He also served as Chief of Staff of 3 Corps from September 1992 to June 1993.
Notably, his role as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Corps in Kashmir from July 1993 to February 1995 was a critical period in his career. His leadership during this time was instrumental in managing the insurgency in the Kashmir Valley, making significant gains against militants, and shaping the region’s security landscape. He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his command of a unit and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his services as the 15 Corps Commander in Kashmir.
Fondly addressed as ‘Paddy’, General Padmanabhan served as Director General of Military Intelligence, after which he took over as General Officer Commanding of the Northern Command at Udhampur on 1 September 1996. This part of his tenure was marked by significant contributions to national security, providing vital insights and intelligence that guided strategic decisions. He was also the General Officer Commanding of the Southern Command before being appointed as the Chief of Army Staff.
Operation Parakram And Strategic Leadership
One of the defining moments of General Padmanabhan’s career was his role during Operation Parakram, a large-scale military mobilisation along the western front with Pakistan following the December 2001 terror attack on the Indian Parliament. As Army Chief, General Padmanabhan was at the helm of this operation, which marked one of the largest troop deployments since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. During this tense period, his leadership was marked by bold statements about India’s readiness to respond to a potential nuclear threat.
General Padmanabhan’s confident assertions that India was prepared for a second strike and had sufficient nuclear weapons caught both the Indian leadership and the international community by surprise. His statements underscored his firm stance on national security and his readiness to confront potential threats head-on.
Operation Parakram saw India and Pakistan come perilously close to war on two occasions. General Padmanabhan’s handling of the situation was crucial in preventing escalation and managing the diplomatic and military dimensions of the standoff. His strategic decisions and public statements were pivotal in shaping the discourse and maintaining national security during this critical period.
Leadership Style And Personal Traits
General Padmanabhan was known for his distinctive leadership style, characterised by a blend of tactical brilliance and personal integrity. His reputation as a tough, no-nonsense commander was well-earned during his time in Kashmir, where he decisively managed complex and volatile situations. His direct approach and ability to connect with his troops earned him respect and admiration from his subordinates and peers.
His leadership was marked by a commitment to the welfare of soldiers, which was evident in his refusal to accept post-retirement sinecures. General Padmanabhan declined offers for positions such as the Governorship of Jammu & Kashmir. He maintained his integrity and avoided roles that he felt were not aligned with his principles. This decision reflected his dedication to his values and commitment to serving his country without seeking personal gain.
Significant Incidents And Contributions
Several incidents during General Padmanabhan’s career highlight his exceptional leadership and strategic foresight. In 1997, he made a critical decision to establish a forward patrol base at Yaldor in response to reported Pakistani intrusions. Although his successor later removed the base in 1998, the strategic importance of this decision became evident during the 1999 Kargil conflict, when Pakistani forces invaded Batalik. General Padmanabhan’s foresight in establishing the base demonstrated his strategic thinking and understanding of the region’s security dynamics.
During the 2002 Gujarat riots, General Padmanabhan acted decisively by ordering the immediate deployment of forces to restore order. His clear directives and effective management ensured that the Army successfully quashed the violence within 48 hours, showcasing his ability to take rapid action in crises.
A young journalist from The Indian Express suffered a severe spinal injury in a car accident near Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir. General Padmanabhan, then Northern Army Commander, played a critical role in her life-saving evacuation. Despite the Indian Air Force being unable to fly her out due to a lack of paramedics, General Padmanabhan innovatively arranged for Army paramedics to accompany her, ensuring her safe transfer to a hospital in Delhi. This incident highlighted his quick thinking, compassion, and commitment to ensuring the safety of needy individuals.
During his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 31 September 2000 to 31 December 2002, General Sundararajan Padmanabhan played a pivotal role in shaping India’s military strategy and handling high-stakes situations. His leadership during Operation Parakram, the largest mobilisation since the 1971 war, was marked by bold statements and strategic decisions that profoundly impacted the regional security dynamics.
General Padmanabhan’s assertive stance was evident when he made a strong public statement on 11 January 2002, asserting that any threat to Indian troops would be met with severe retaliation. He declared, “If anybody were to target our troops/formations…the perpetrator of that particular outrage shall be punished so severely that their continuation thereafter in any form will be doubtful.”
His no-nonsense approach was crucial in handling the Kashmir militancy. He effectively managed critical situations such as the Hazratbal Siege, demonstrating his ability to contain insurgency in a region fraught with challenges. His unconventional view that militancy in Kashmir could be contained, though not eliminated, reflected a pragmatic approach to long-term military challenges. His leadership during this tumultuous period was instrumental in shaping the region’s security landscape.
Post-Retirement
It is noteworthy that General Padmanabhan was known for his devotion to the Kanchi Paramacharya, showcasing his spiritual side alongside his military career. After retiring from active service, General Padmanabhan largely stayed out of the public eye and focused on his interests and personal life. He was often immersed in prayer in the mornings and enjoyed crossword puzzles.
He authored several books, including Next China-India War: World’s First Water War-2029, which explored potential future conflicts over strategic water resources, reflecting his continued engagement with strategic issues. The Writing on the Wall: India Checkmates America 2017 was another best-seller he published in 2017.
His other book, A General Speaks, offered insights into war, peace, and security from his perspective as a former Army Chief.
General Padmanabhan’s legacy is defined by his exemplary leadership, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to his country. His ability to remain calm under pressure, his principled stance on military matters, and his dedication to the welfare of his troops continue to inspire and guide future generations of military leaders. His career, marked by significant achievements and impactful decisions, has left a lasting imprint on the Indian Army and the nation.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.