Wikipedia

Devendra Pratap Pandey

Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (born 17 June 1964) PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM is a retired general officer of the Indian Army. He was the Commandant of the Army War College, Mhow.[2] He previously served as the General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar based Chinar Corps(XV) succeeding Lieutenant General B. S. Raju after the latter completed his term as the Corps Commander.[3] Prior to his appointment as the Chinar Corps Commander, the general served as the first Director General of Territorial Army of the Indian Army.[4]

Lieutenant General
Devendra Pratap Pandey
PVSM UYSM AVSM VSM
Commandant, Army War College Mhow
Incumbent
Assumed office
10 May 2022
Preceded byVS Srinivasan
General Officer Commanding XV Corps
In office
18 March 2021 – 9 May 2022
Preceded byB. S. Raju
Succeeded byAmardeep Singh Aujla
Personal details
Born (1964-06-17) 17 June 1964 (age 60)
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Military service
Allegiance India
Branch/service Indian Army
Years of service14 December 1985 – 30 June 2024
Rank Lieutenant General
Unit 9 Sikh Light Infantry
Commands
Service numberIC-43285L [1]
Awards

Early life and education

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Lt General Pandey was born in a Bhumihar Brahmin family and hails from Gorakhpur and is an alumnus of St Mary's Carmel, Kendriya Vidyalaya Airforce Station, Gorakhpur, Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT New Delhi and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He also holds a master's degree in defence studies from University of Madras, Chennai and an M.Phil. in defence and management studies from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. He has also attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington,[5] and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

Military career

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He was commissioned into 9th battalion The Sikh Light Infantry on 14 Dec 1985. He has served in Counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Qualified in high altitude warfare courses, he has commanded the 9th battalion The Sikh Light Infantry in north Siachen glacier and chushul sector of Eastern Ladakh. He also commanded a RR Sector. He also served as a military observer in Cambodia.[5]

Gen Pandey has held numerous staff assignments which include a tenure as Brigade major of an infantry brigade in high-altitude area during operation Vijay (Kargil) and as a director in Infantry Directorate and also Director, Foreign Division in Military Intelligence Directorate, IHQ of MoD (Army), BGS (Ops) at HQ Western Command, Chandimandir and BGS at Chetak Corps.[5]

In addition, he served as an assistant adjutant and instructor at the National Defence Academy, Pune. General officer has an extensive service experience along western borders, deserts of Rajasthan and Punjab.[6]

General officer

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Promoted to the rank of Major general, he was appointed General officer commanding Counter Insurgency Force-K (Kilo Force) in the Kashmir Valley. He then served as the Additional Director General of Public Information (ADGPI) at Army Headquarters. In the rank of Lieutenant General, he was the first Director General of Territorial Army (DGTA).[7][8]

XV Corps Commander

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On 17 March 2021, Gen Pandey was appointed the General Officer Commanding XV Corps in Srinagar. XV Corps, also known as Chinar Corps, is responsible for military operations in the Kashmir valley.[9]

Later career

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He was appointed as the Commandant of the Army War College, Mhow in April 2022 and took over on 9 May 2022. He retired on 30th of June 2024 after almost 39 years of service in the Indian army.[2]

 
Lt Gen D P Pandey taking over as GOC XV Corps.[10][11][12]

Nation-first approach

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White collared terrorists

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Lt Gen D P Pandey insisted Kashmiris to continue to strive hard to maintain peace and prosperity in J&K despite the presence of evil minds that enforce violence on Kashmiri society. The society need to break the cycle of violence. He called upon the Kashmiri society to target OGW network that pollutes the impressionable minds[13] of the youth to sustain terrorism in J&K. He asked community leaders to caution the youth about these instigators & their evil plans that is putting J&K on troubled paths. There are also present some vulture journalists who misguide the youths. We all need to be aware of their mal-intentions.

Hybrid terrorist

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With the challenge for security forces in the Kashmir valley in the form of hybrid terrorism, Lt Gen Pandey cautioned the Kashmiri society to be more vigilant of these ‘part-time’ terrorists.[14] They influence & corrupt the youths’ ideology. He reiterated to continue efforts to recognize such people in the valley. Young people thought process should be towards peace and development.

Citizens and soldier connect

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Tiranga Revolution

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UT Administration through the Security Review Meeting forums and engaging secretary level functionaries along with grass-root public participation ushered in ‘Tiranga Revolution’.[15] The Tricolor was dedicated to the people of J&K by Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lt Governor of J&K in the presence of GOC 15 Corps. Apart from this, Tricolor was hoisted at Kupwara, Awantipur, Shopian, Gulmarg and various Government offices and school giving a sense of ‘One Nation One Flag’.

Festivals

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Lt Gen D P Pandey endeavoured to reinforce the pride amongst the people of Kashmir in their own cultural festivals by organizing functions for Wular festival,[16] Bangus mela,[17] Doodpathri festival, Keran mela[18] and many others.

Medical assistance

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Artificial limbs

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In co-operation with Jaipur-based NGO, Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS),[19] Artificial Limb fitment and assistance camps[20] were organised for especially abled persons in 15 Corps Zone from 06 to 19 Oct 21. The joint venture between the Indian Army and Jaipur Foot Foundation was themed ‘Saksham Hum, Saksham Kashmir, Saksham Bharat’.[21] Lt Gen DP Pandey complimented the NGO, Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti for its noble efforts. He emphasised that the artificial limbs would further invigorate the specially abled citizens to lead an enabled and empowered life. The camp has enabled and empowered specially abled Kashmiri citizens including children.

Covid hospital

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To combat the surge of COVID-19 cases in Apr 2021 in Kashmir and to prepare of the anticipated third wave of COVID-19, a 50-bed COVID-19 facility was established and dedicated to the citizens of Kashmir. It will augment the infrastructure against the pandemic.

Oxygen plant

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A non-operational oxygen plant (Enn Dee Gases)[22] with a capacity of filling 700 cylinders of oxygen per day, located at Rangreth was resuscitated by Chinar Corps. On the UT Administration's request, Chinar Corps co-opted IAF to transport the required spare parts from Mumbai. A team of technicians from 15 Corps Zone Workshop, Rangreth along with civil technicians made the plant serviceable within four days. Oxygen plant of Enn Dee was lying out of action for last five years. It has the capacity of filling 700 cylinders of oxygen per day. It was vital to make this plant serviceable to increase the oxygen production capacity in the valley.

Guiding the youth

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Parivar School

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Lt Gen D P Pandey appreciated the noble step taken by the Indrani Balan Foundation[23] for the people of Baramulla, which led to building of new infrastructure for the Parivaar School[24] to facilitate a conducive learning environment for the specially abled children. More than 150 families of Baramulla district will be benefitted by this school. The curriculum of the school has been created keeping in mind the type and degree of disability of the students. The building has been designed taking into account the needs of the students including specially abled friendly washrooms. More than 150 families of Baramulla district will be benefited by this school.

National Cadet Corps

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Lt Gen D P Pandey facilitated the introduction of NCC camps[25] in the remote bowls of Machhal, Keran & Gurez sectors. In addition, NCC camp were organized for the first time in Tangdhar and there are plans in pipeline to revive and expand NCC's foot prints across the valley.

Kashmir Premiere League (KPL) 2021

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Under the flagship of Chinar Corps, Kashmir Premiere League 2021[26] was organized that engaged the youth, provided them a pedestal to showcase their talent and promote sports in the Valley. This wide reaching, multi-phased cricket tournament engaged 10 districts of Kashmir and elicited participation by nearly 3000 youth from 200 different teams. The tournament shed tremendous insight into the outstanding cricketing skills, excellent sportsmanship and talent among the Kashmiri youth and highlighted the synergy between Civil Administration, JKCA and the Army. Mr Yusuf Pathan, ex India cricketer gave away the prizes.

Education and sports

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Wushu martial arts championship

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An open championship in Wushu Martial Arts[27] was conducted on 14 & 15 Sep 21 at Manasbal lake. The event witnessed 279 x boys and girls participating in the events. The championship was aimed at providing exposure to the budding young champions. The participants had exposure in learning & sharpening their skills. The participants, their parents and local populace were very happy to see such a big level tournament in which boys and girls participated together to promote the spirit of sports.

Dhruva Bike Rally

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To commemorate the 22nd year of victory in Kargil war, HQ Northern Command conducted a two-day Dhruva Kargil Rally to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas. Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi, then GOC-in-C, Northern Command led the rally.

Clean Dal & Jhelum Campaigns

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‘Save Dal’ and ‘Clean Jhelum’ Campaigns[28] were organized to promote eco-conservation. A number of events like ‘Shikara race’, a bike rally for ‘ Clean Dal’, and speed-boat rally carrying the National Flags were held. The campaign garnered massive local participation and respect for the Army.

Awards and decorations

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He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2024), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (2022), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2020), Vishist Seva Medal (2011), and the COAS and GOC - in - C commendation card for his service.

   
       
       
       
       
Param Vishisht Seva Medal Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vishisht Seva Medal Special Service Medal Operation Vijay Star
Siachen Glacier Medal Operation Vijay Medal Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal

High Altitude Medal

Videsh Seva Medal

75th Anniversary of Independence Medal

50th Anniversary of Independence Medal
30 Years Long Service Medal 20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal UNTAC

Dates of rank

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Insignia Rank Component Date of rank
  Second Lieutenant Indian Army 14 December 1985
  Lieutenant Indian Army 14 December 1987
  Captain Indian Army 14 December 1990
  Major Indian Army 14 December 1996
  Lieutenant-Colonel Indian Army
  Colonel Indian Army
  Brigadier Indian Army
  Major General Indian Army
  Lieutenant-General Indian Army

References

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  1. ^ https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1999669
  2. ^ a b "Lt Gen Devendra Pratap Pandey appointed as Army War College commandant". ANI News. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  3. ^ "Lt Gen DP Pandey takes command of Chinar Corps". 17 March 2021.
  4. ^ "Territorial Army set for overhaul as voluntary force gets its first director general". 2 March 2020.
  5. ^ a b c Negi, Manjeet (23 February 2021). "Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey to head Srinagar-based Chinar Corps". India Today. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  6. ^ "Lt Gen BS Raju appointed DGMO, Territorial Army chief to be new Chinar Corps Commander". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  7. ^ Philip, Snehesh Alex (2 March 2020). "Territorial Army set for overhaul as voluntary force gets its first director general". ThePrint. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  8. ^ "Who is Lt General DP Pandey; the new commander of Srinagar's Chinar Corps". International Business Times. 23 February 2021.
  9. ^ "Lt Gen DP Pandey Takes Command Of 15 Corps". outlookindia.com. 19 January 2022.
  10. ^ "Lt Gen Pandey takes over as new commander of 15-Corps". Deccan Herald. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  11. ^ "गोरखपुर के इस बेटे को कश्मीर में सेना की कमान, गांवालों को है अपने लाल पर गर्व". Hindustan. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  12. ^ "Lt Gen B S Raju to be new Director General of Military Operations of Indian Army - The Economic Times". The Economic Times. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  13. ^ Jaiswal, Priya (16 December 2021). "White-collared terrorists instigate youth into becoming terrorists, they're dangerous: GOC Chinar Corps". www.indiatvnews.com.
  14. ^ "Killing gunmen easy, Kashmir's 'white collar terrorists' a threat, says Army's Chinar Corps chief". 22 February 2022.
  15. ^ "India at 75: 100-feet tall national flag hoisted at Hari Parbat Fort in Srinagar - Hari Parbat". The Economic Times.
  16. ^ "Indian Army organizes 'Wular Festival' at Laharwalpura Ghat".
  17. ^ "'Bangus Awaami Mela Celebrated With Fervour in Lokut Bangus Valley'". 11 August 2021.
  18. ^ "Keran Mela organized by Army, locals concludes in J-K's Kupwara".
  19. ^ "BMVSS: Changing Lives, One Jaipur Limb at a Time - Case - Faculty & Research - Harvard Business School". www.hbs.edu.
  20. ^ "Artificial limb fitment camp at BB Cantt". Greater Kashmir. 16 November 2021.
  21. ^ "Indian Army conducts artificial limb fitment camp in Srinagar".
  22. ^ Rashid, Hakeem Irfan. "Army revives defunct oxygen plant in Srinagar". The Economic Times.
  23. ^ "Indrani Balan Foundation". The Statesman.
  24. ^ "MoU signed for 'financial sustainability' of Army Goodwill Schools in Kashmir - Times of India". The Times of India. 25 January 2022.
  25. ^ "Gurez absolutely peaceful, tourists enjoying beauty of this place: GoC". Brighter Kashmir.
  26. ^ "In pictures: Budgam wins Kashmir Premier League-2021". Greater Kashmir. 29 August 2021.
  27. ^ "Chinar Wushu Martial Arts Competition 2021". www.theasa.in.
  28. ^ "J&K WITNESSING GOLDEN PERIOD: LG". Journeyline.in.
Military offices
Preceded by General Officer Commanding XV Corps
2021-2022 		Succeeded by
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