5 Most Popular Indian Army Chiefs Since Independence


2. Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw:

Term: 8th June 1969 to 15th June 1973

He is better known as ‘SAM’ to his friends. He was born in the year April3rd, 1914 and he early schooling in Amritsar and Nanital. He was one among the 40 cadets of the first batch to get selected for thr Indian Military Academy. During his first Burma campaign, he took part in various actions against the Japanese. He is better known as the person who led his entire company with courage and firmness. For his courageous and leadership nature, he was awarded the Military Cross. Before he became the Indian army chief, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan in the year 1968 for his renowned services to the nation. As the chief of the Indian Army, he delivered yeoman service to the country by building the Indian Army as a competent instrument of War. He passed away in the year 27th Jan, 2008 at the age of 94, after suffering from a long illness.

3. General Arunkumar Shridhar Vaidya:

Term: 1st Aug 1983 31st Jan 1985

General AS Vaidya, was commissioned to the Armored Corps in the year 1945 and he witnessed the battle during the 2nd World War. For the braveness that he showed during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965 as a Commandant, he was awarded by the prestigious Maha Vir Chakra. For his various service of exceptional order, he was awarded the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal in the year 1983. In the same year, he took over the position as the Indian Army Chief and he served in that position till 1985. He was one among the most decorated soldiers of the defence service. He was also regarded as an outstanding military leader. He passed away on the 10th of August in the year 1986.