In a historic first for the Indian military, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, both former classmates from Sainik School Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, have been appointed as chiefs of the Indian Army and Navy respectively.
Admiral Dinesh Tripathi and Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi shared a formative bond since their early school days in the 1970s, starting from class 5th-A. Their roll numbers, 931 and 938 respectively, placed them in proximity, fostering a lasting friendship that transcended their paths into different branches of the military.
Highlighting the significance of their enduring camaraderie, a defense official emphasized the importance of strong personal connections among senior leaders in enhancing inter-service cooperation.
Acknowledging the role of Sainik School Rewa in shaping these future leaders, Defence Ministry Spokesperson A Bharat Bhushan Babu tweeted, “This rare honor 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.”
The appointments of Admiral Tripathi and Lt Gen Dwivedi, occurring within a span of two months, mark a milestone. Admiral Tripathi assumed command of the Indian Navy on May 1, while Lt Gen Dwivedi is set to take over his new role imminently.
With extensive experience as the Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Dwivedi has been closely involved in military operations along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. His career began when he was commissioned into the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984, and he continues to serve with distinction.
