Tripathi, Dwivedi were disciplined, totally focused: Ex-classmate
Tripathi, Dwivedi were disciplined, totally focused: Ex-classmate
It is a very proud moment for us, our school and our state. It's for the first time that chiefs of two wings of armed forces are classmates and schoolmates and from the same state," said Dr RS Pandey, senior master at Sainik School Rewa.
The school principal was invited to the ceremony where Gen Dwivedi took charge of Army. Many of his classmates were there, too.
"Our batch is a close-knit family. Even today, 18 of us are here as our batchmate and friend Gen Upendra Dwivedi takes charge as Chief of Army Staff," Prof Amit Tiwari, a classmate, said Sunday. "My roll number was 929, Upendra's was 931 and Dinesh was 938. I was a roommate of Admiral Tripathi for eight years. And for three years I was desk partner with Gen Dwivedi," he said.
"Both of them were very disciplined, extremely focused and stayed away from controversies. They were never a part of any groupism, which is normal during school days," said Tiwari, a former dean of School of Life Sciences at APS University, Rewa, and currently with TRS College, Rewa.
School records of Gen Dwivedi say he was an above average student. Mischievous as a boy and aggressive as a young infantry officer in J&K Rifles, he held very key appointments in his illustrious military career, commanding a battalion in Op Rakshak and a sector in Op Rhino before being made Director General-Infantry.
Batchmates remember the two Service chiefs as being very modest and punctual, who never said a thing loudly but made themselves heard. Also, both of them have stayed connected with their alma mater. During his previous visit to the school, Gen Dwivedi had said: "Other schools give students only 'capability', however this school gives 'attitude and adaptability' as a prequel which is a prerequisite to being a good and effective leader."
The school has been celebrating ever since Admiral Tripathi took over as Navy chief in May. Gen Dwivedi's elevation has doubled the joy.
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