Celebrating General V.K. Singh's 74th Birthday: A Journey from Soldier to Politician
On May 10, General V.K. Singh marks his 74th birthday, reflecting on a distinguished career that spans military service and political engagement. Born in Haryana, he rose to prominence as the first Army Chief trained as a commando. His tenure was marked by significant military operations and controversies, alongside numerous accolades. After retiring in 2012, he became involved in social movements, notably supporting anti-corruption efforts. Discover more about his impactful journey and contributions to the nation.
May 10, 2026, 10:11 IST
Introduction to General V.K. Singh
Today, on May 10, former Army Chief and politician General V.K. Singh is celebrating his 74th birthday. Having transitioned from an army officer to a central minister, General Singh has showcased remarkable versatility throughout his career. He was the first military leader to undergo commando training. Let’s explore some intriguing aspects of his life on this special occasion.
Birth and Family Background
General V.K. Singh was born on May 10, 1951, in the village of Bapora, located in Haryana's Bhiwani district. His father served as a Colonel in the army, while his grandfather was a Junior Commissioned Officer. After completing his education, Singh was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment on June 17, 1970. He was assigned to this unit when it was deployed along the Line of Control with Pakistan.
Military Career
On March 31, 2010, General V.K. Singh took over as the Chief of Army Staff. He is known for his image as a strong, honest, and straightforward officer. However, his career has also been marked by several controversies, including issues related to his age. Singh has previously served in the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters. Notably, during the 2001 Parliament attack, he was serving as the Brigadier General Staff of a Corps when the Indian Army was mobilized for Operation Parakram.
General Singh has witnessed the Bangladesh War firsthand and has held various significant positions before becoming the Army Chief. He is skilled in counter-emergency operations and has expertise in engaging enemies at high altitudes.
Honors and Recognition
General V.K. Singh has been awarded several honors, including the PVSM, YSM, AVSM, and ADC. He is recognized as the first trained commando to achieve the rank of Army Chief in India. Additionally, he was the first general to take the government to the Supreme Court.
General Singh retired from his position as Army Chief on May 31, 2012, after serving for 26 months. Following his retirement, he supported Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement.