Rajnath Singh, CDS Chauhan hail Lt Gen Srinivas Kumar Sinha as ‘soldier-statesman’ at birth centenary lecture
New Delhi, January 7. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to late Lt Gen Srinivas Kumar Sinha, describing him as a towering figure whose life and work continue to inspire India’s firm approach to safeguarding its sovereignty.
In a video message delivered at a memorial lecture marking Lt Gen Sinha’s birth centenary on January 7, Singh said leaders and personalities of Sinha’s calibre were a source of inspiration for the government as the country moves ahead with a clear and resolute policy on national sovereignty. He recalled the former general as a soldier, diplomat and administrator who consistently placed national interest above everything else.
Singh highlighted Lt Gen Sinha’s distinguished military career, beginning with his service on the Burma front during the Second World War, and his pivotal role in 1947 in coordinating the first airlift of Indian troops to Srinagar as Pakistan-backed forces advanced towards Kashmir. He also lauded Sinha’s academic and professional excellence at both the Indian and British Staff Colleges, calling him a brave officer of rare intellect and professionalism.
The Defence Minister said Sinha played a key role in strengthening the Indian Army’s institutional framework and modern outlook during his tenures as Director of Military Intelligence, Adjutant General and in various command appointments. He added that Sinha’s contribution to public life continued after his retirement, first as India’s Ambassador to Nepal and later as Governor of Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, where he worked to promote security and development. Singh urged people to draw inspiration from Sinha’s ideals as India seeks to become a secure, self-reliant and prosperous nation.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who also addressed the gathering, described Lt Gen Sinha as a “soldier-statesman” and a “scholar warrior” known for his integrity and character. Calling on serving personnel to learn from Sinha’s example, the CDS stressed the importance of professional military education, ethical leadership and intellectual rigour across all ranks.
Against the backdrop of increasingly complex warfare that now spans cyber, space, information and cognitive domains, Gen Chauhan underlined the need for soldiers who can think as well as fight. He said today’s armed forces must combine courage in uniform with intellectual curiosity and an unwavering commitment to constitutional values if they are to not only defend the nation’s borders but also help shape India’s future.
The event was attended by former Army Chiefs Generals NC Vij, Deepak Kapoor and Dalbir Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen PP Singh, and around 300 serving and retired personnel, along with members of Lt Gen Sinha’s family.
