LT GEN BS RAJU RELINQUISHES COMMAND OF SOUTH WESTERN COMMAND, JAIPUR

Jaipur:  Lt Gen BS Raju relinquished Command of Jaipur based Sapta Shakti Command and proceeded on superannuation on 31 Oct 2023.

            On this occasion, the General Officer paid tributes to the Bravehearts at Prerna Sthal Jaipur Military Station. An alumnus of Sainik School Bijapur, National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the General Officer was commissioned into the JAT Regiment on 15 Dec 1984.  A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, He  had the privilege of doing his National Defence College Course at Royal College of Defence Studies, UK, and also attended distinguished Masters Programme in Counter Terrorism, at Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, USA.

            Lt Gen BS Raju took over the reins of Sapta Shakti Command on 01 Mar 23. During his tenure, the Sapta Shakti Command maintained highest standards of operational readiness and professionalism. Prior to taking over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Sapta Shakti Comd, he was the Vice Chief of Indian Army. He has also been the Colonel of the JAT Regiment. For his illustrious contribution to the service, the General Officer has been awarded with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command Commendation Card.

            Upon relinquishing Command, Lieutenant General BS Raju extended his warmest greetings to all ranks of Sapta Shakti Command, Veer Naris, Veterans, Defence Civilian Employees and their family members.

            The General Officer, during his illustrious career spanning over 39 years served across a wide spectrum of conflicts and terrain. He is a qualified helicopter pilot, having done operational flying in Somalia, as part of UNSOM II. He commanded an Infantry Battalion during OP PARAKRAM in Western Theatre and on Line of Control in North Kashmir. He also holds the distinction of commanding a brigade along the Line of Control in North Kashmir, Counter Insurgency Force in South Kashmir and commanded the prestigious Chinar Corps in Kashmir. The General Officer was also Commandant, Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan.

            The General Officer’s instructional appointments included tenures at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Higher Command Wing, Army War College, Mhow. His critical staff appointments included Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Staff of an operationally active Corps in Jammu & Kashmir, Deputy Director General Military Operations, Director General Staff Duties and Director General of Military Operations in Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army).