Two Childhood Friends from the Same 5th Class Become Chiefs of Indian Army and Navy

First Classmates to Lead Indian Army and Navy Together

For the first time in Indian military history, two classmates, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, will serve as the chiefs of the Indian Army and Navy, respectively.

Key Points:

Names: Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi
Positions: Army Chief Designate and Navy Chief
School: Sainik School Rewa, Madhya Pradesh
Class: 5th-A, early 1970s
Roll Numbers: Lt Gen Dwivedi - 931, Admiral Tripathi - 938
Admiral Tripathi's Command: May 1, 2024
Lt Gen Dwivedi's Command: July 1, 2024
Lt Gen Dwivedi's Birthdate: July 1, 1964
Lt Gen Dwivedi's Commission: December 15, 1984, into the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles

Details:

Admiral Dinesh Tripathi and Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi hail from the Sainik School Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. Their journey began together in class 5th-A in the early 1970s. The two shared a close bond from their school days, and their roll numbers were also close: Lt Gen Dwivedi was 931, and Admiral Tripathi was 938.

Their friendship has remained strong over the years, even as they served in different branches of the military. This camaraderie is seen as beneficial in strengthening the working relationship between the forces.

Significant Statements:

Defence Ministry Spokesperson A Bharat Bhushan Babu: "This rare honour 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."

Timeline of Appointments:

Admiral Tripathi: Took command of the Indian Navy on May 1, 2024.
Lt Gen Dwivedi: Will take command of the Indian Army on July 1, 2024.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi's Background:

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has had a notable tenure as the Northern Army Commander, with significant exposure to ongoing operations in the military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Born on July 1, 1964, he was commissioned into the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984.

This historic event highlights the importance of Sainik School Rewa in shaping future leaders of the Indian military and showcases the lifelong bonds formed in these institutions.