General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd.) is set to serve as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the historic 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) on May 30. This significant event marks an important milestone, as it will witness the graduation of the first batch of women cadets from the prestigious tri-services academy, alongside approximately 340 other passing out cadets.
Born on May 10, 1950, in Uttar Pradesh, General Singh grew up in a family steeped in military traditions, which fostered deep-rooted values of discipline, patriotism, and honor. His education in military institutions, including the NDA, Indian Military Academy (IMA), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and the College of Combat, Mhow, paired with training at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania, has honed his leadership and strategic insights.
Commissioned into the 2 Rajput Regiment in 1970, General Singh’s military career kicked off on the front lines during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, contributing to the liberation of Bangladesh. His extensive combat experience and operational expertise continued to grow as he undertook counter-insurgency operations in conflict-ridden areas, including Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir, and participated in UN peacekeeping missions across Africa.
Throughout his career, General Singh commanded military units from company to corps level, gaining respect for his tactical excellence. He became a strong advocate for the modernization and transparency of the Indian Army, committed to enhancing the welfare of soldiers under his command.
Elevating his standing further, General Singh was appointed India’s 26th Chief of Army Staff from 2010 to 2012, becoming the first commando-trained officer to hold this position. His tenure was marked by significant decisions, including challenging the records of his date of birth, igniting discussions on civil-military relations. He spearheaded an anti-corruption initiative, revealing the Tatra trucks procurement scandal, and sent a confidential letter to the Prime Minister highlighting serious deficits in India’s military readiness, which later became public.
General Singh’s distinguished service has earned him numerous prestigious military honors, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), recognizing his exceptional operational strategy and contributions to national security.
After retiring from the military, General Singh transitioned to politics, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Ghaziabad and has since undertaken significant ministerial roles. His leadership in high-risk evacuation missions, such as Operation Rahat in Yemen, underscored his crisis management capabilities. Additionally, his involvement in major road and highway projects has significantly contributed to India’s infrastructure development.
Currently serving as the Governor of Mizoram, General Singh’s influence extends beyond military and political spheres. He has authored an autobiography, “Courage and Conviction,” sharing insights from his life and advocating for youth participation in governance, national pride, and transparency in public institutions. His leadership philosophy, articulated as “A soldier never quits, even when he removes his uniform,” underscores his commitment to service, inspiring many across the nation.
As he prepares to review the 148th NDA POP, General Singh’s presence epitomizes the continuity of military tradition while honoring modern reforms, serving as a beacon for future defense leaders. His enduring legacy as a warrior, reformer, and principled politician reflects the evolving defense and governance landscape in India, marking him as an influential figure amid contemporary challenges.
