March 9, 2022: General M M Naravane, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and all ranks of the Indian Army have expressed their heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of General Sunith Francis Rodrigues.
Retired General Sunith Francis Rodrigues passed away last Friday at the age of 88. He led the Indian Army between 1990 and 1993, and served as the governor of Punjab between 2004 and 2010. He also served two terms on the National Security Advisory Board.
He was born in Bombay in 1933 and was educated at St Xavier's High School, Fort. He joined the Joint Services Wing of the Indian Military Academy in 1949. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery, three years later, on 28 December. Next, he applied for pilot training in the Air Observation Post of the Artillery in 1964, and was recruited as an artillery aviation pilot. Between 1964 and 1969, his training accounts for more than 158 flying hours on observation aircraft and helicopters, which also include 65 hours of combat flying during the 1965 war.
He has left behind a rich legacy of dedication, service and utmost commitment to ensure active development and safety of our nation. The nation and the Indian Army will always commemorate and be obliged by his contribution and service.
He was a natural strategist and was also engaged in social and literary pursuits. He was also awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medals.
The Indian Army tweeted, “General MM Naravane #COAS & All Ranks of #IndianArmy express heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of General Sunith Francis Rodrigues, who passed away today. Known as a Thinker and Strategist, he leaves behind a legacy of utmost dedication & service to the Nation.”