In a significant meeting at the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters, General Anil Chauhan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), engaged with Geetika Lidder, the widow of the late Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder. The focus of their discussion was Lidder’s recently published book, I Am a Soldier’s Wife, which serves as a heartfelt tribute to her husband’s esteemed career and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty with the Indian Army.
Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, who served as the Defence Assistant to the late General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on December 8, 2021. The crash, which claimed the lives of General Rawat and 12 other personnel, remains a significant and somber moment in India’s military narrative.
During their interaction, Mrs. Lidder presented General Chauhan with her book, which not only details Brigadier Lidder’s professional journey characterized by excellence, passion, and dedication but also honors the broader ethos of India’s military legacy, reinforcing themes of duty, honor, and selfless service. Visuals from their meeting depicted a formal setting, adorned with Indian and military insignia, highlighting the armed forces’ commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by military families.
The Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) lauded the book as a testament to “true leadership,” emphasizing its capacity to inspire future generations to uphold the highest values of sacrifice for the country. Following the meeting, Mrs. Lidder took to social media platform X to express her gratitude to General Chauhan, noting, “Humbled by the time and attention devoted by the CDS… Jai Hind.” Her sentiments resonated with many users who recognized the profound significance of the book in honoring the legacy of Brigadier Lidder.
The book was officially launched earlier this month by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who highlighted its multifaceted nature as a tribute not only to Brigadier Lidder’s career as a soldier but also to his roles as a devoted husband and father, and as an aspiring leader in the Indian Army, particularly within the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment.
Brigadier Lidder was a distinguished officer, honored with the Sena Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal, and enjoyed a commendable military career that included pivotal positions, such as commanding a brigade on the Indo-Tibetan border, and serving in UN peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His close association with General Rawat, who played a crucial role in establishing the CDS position to enhance coordination among the armed forces, further solidified Brigadier Lidder’s reputation as a committed military leader.
The meeting and the release of the book occur in a context where India is actively working to reinforce its defense leadership framework under the CDS, especially in light of the challenges presented by events like the 2021 helicopter crash. This tragedy has spurred a renewed emphasis on the safety of military operations and the well-being of military families.
I Am a Soldier’s Wife is being viewed as a poignant reminder of the longstanding sacrifices made by India’s armed forces and their families, striking a chord with the nation’s commitment to honor its military heritage and the valor of its servicemen and women.
