Former Army Chief General Vishwanath Sharma Passes Away at 96
Tributes Pour in for General Vishwanath Sharma
General Vishwanath Sharma, a retired Army Chief, passed away on Friday at the age of 96, as confirmed by the Indian Army. He served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 30, 1988, to June 30, 1990.
During the 1965 India-Pakistan War, he participated in combat in the Lahore sector as a Major. General Sharma commanded an armored regiment and held several significant staff and training roles throughout his career. Following the 1965 conflict, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier.
According to information available on the Army's website, General Sharma led a mountain brigade in a region affected by insurgency and was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1977 for his exceptional service. He later commanded an armored brigade in the desert region of Rajasthan. In 1980, he was elevated to Major General and took charge of a mountain division in the western sector.
In 1984, he attained the rank of Lieutenant General and commanded a corps in the western region, receiving the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for his outstanding service. The Indian Army expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the veteran military officer, led by Army Chief General Dheeraj Seth.
In a post on social media, the Army stated, "Army Chief General Dheeraj Seth and all ranks of the Indian Army express profound grief over the passing of Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, ADC, and former Army Chief General Vishwanath Sharma. The Indian Army extends heartfelt condolences to his grieving family and loved ones."
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences, stating, "As an exemplary soldier, General Sharma served the nation with unwavering dedication, courage, and honor."
Born on June 4, 1930, General Vishwanath Sharma hailed from a distinguished military family that has served in the armed forces for two generations, producing three generals.
The Army noted, "As the younger brother of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Somnath Sharma, Vishwanath Sharma carried forward his family's remarkable legacy of bravery and selfless service." Major Somnath Sharma was the first soldier to receive the Param Vir Chakra after India's independence. General Vishwanath Sharma was educated at Sherwood College in Nainital and the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College in Dehradun. He joined the 5th Regular Course at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and was commissioned into the 16 Light Cavalry on June 4, 1950.