Obituary: Visionary General with polite disposition

Gen S Padmanabhan, affectionately known as Paddy in Army circles, passed away on August 18. His admirers from across the country arrived in Chennai to bid him adieu. What made him such a popular Army Chief?

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I had the privilege of serving with him during the peak of militancy in Punjab, counter-insurgency operations in J&K — where we had to raise and operationalise the Rashtriya Rifles — when he took over as the Director General of Military Operations in post-Kargil period and then as Army Commander at the time of Operation Parakram.

He was a visionary leader and a compassionate human being. His style of command was simple: After laying down the policy, he would allow operational freedom to subordinates and welcome inputs from juniors. During the Hazratbal crisis, he directed troops not to load their weapons in a bid to prevent damage to the shrine by inadvertent shooting.

After Kargil, he wanted the Army to rebalance and stabilise. His instructions were to prepare and stay battle-ready at all times. He allowed the Operations Directorate a free hand for the execution of the directions. Impressed by our operational preparedness, the then PM gave the go-ahead to the plans.

I also had the privilege of accompanying Gen Padmanabhan to all Cabinet meetings. He stayed forthright, yet polite, in rendering his military advice. The Cabinet would listen to him with rapt attention. His charisma, oratory skills and clear thinking made them agree to his suggestions and demands. In fact, it was he who insisted that the government approve and sanction the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

His wit had many in awe. At one of the Cabinet meetings, I happened to borrow his spectacles to read a paper, while at another, he borrowed mine. The then National Security Adviser asked us if we had only one pair of glasses, to which he said: “We see through the same eyes.”

Gen Padmanabhan gave credit where credit was due and his reprimand was polite but firm. He was admired for putting himself at the same risk as troops. I recall driving him in an open jeep through Srinagar at midnight to assess preparedness. At the insistence of Defence and Finance ministers, I was able to convince him, although momentarily, to accept the governorship of J&K. He, however, was not looking for another career. A great soldier and a fine human being completes his journey — May his soul rest in eternal peace.