S. Pattabhiraman (officer)

S. Pattabhiraman
Vice Chief of the Army Staff
In office
1 October 2005 – 31 December 2006
Preceded byLt Gen Bhupinder Singh Thakur
Succeeded byLt Gen Milan Lalitkumar Naidu
Personal details
Born(1946-01-01)January 1, 1946
DiedApril 26, 2025(2025-04-26) (aged 79)
Wellington, Tamil Nadu, India
Awards
Military service
Allegiance India
Branch/service Indian Army
Years of service1966–2006
RankLieutenant General
UnitBombay Sappers
Commands
  • Western Command
  • Director General of Information Systems
  • Defence Attaché to Ankara, Turkey
  • Colonel Commandant, Bombay Sappers

Lieutenant General S. Pattabhiraman PVSM, AVSM , SM, VSM (1946 – 26 April 2025) was a senior officer in the Indian Army who served as the 27th Vice Chief of the Army Staff from October 2005 to December 2006.

Over a distinguished 40-year career, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, the first Director General of Information Systems, and Defence Attaché to Turkey. He was also the Colonel Commandant of the Bombay Sappers.[1]

Early life and education

Pattabhiraman was born in 1946. He joined the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1966. He was associated with the Bombay Sappers, one of the premier engineering groups of the Indian Army.[2]

Military career

Throughout his career, Pattabhiraman held several appointments including: Defence Attaché to Ankara, Turkey,[2] Director General of Information Systems,[3] General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command,[2] Honorary Colonel Commandant, Bombay Sappers.[1] Pattabhiraman served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from 1 October 2005 to 31 December 2006.[4] In this capacity, he was responsible for ensuring the Army's readiness and contributed to strategic planning and modernization efforts.[3]

Post-retirement

After retiring in December 2006, Pattabhiraman continued to serve as an administrative member of the Armed Forces Tribunal in Chennai, adjudicating matters related to service personnel.[5]

Death

Pattabhiraman died on 26 April 2025 at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu at the age of 78. The Indian Army paid tribute, describing him as "a soldier at heart and a leader in spirit".[1]

Awards and decorations

References

  1. ^ a b c "Ex-Vice Chief Of Army, Lt General S Pattabhiraman, Dies At 78". NDTV. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Former Army Vice Chief Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman passes away at 78". The Tribune. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Former vice chief of Army Lt Gen Pattabhiraman dies". The Economic Times. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  4. ^ "Vice Chief of the Army Staff (India)". Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  5. ^ "Former Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman Passes Away at 78". Abhipedia. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.