This comprehensive biography details the life and career of General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the 28th Chief of the Army Staff of India. From his early life and education to his distinguished military career and significant achievements, we explore the journey of this influential figure.
Wiki/Biography
Manoj Mukund Naravane was born on Friday, April 22, 1960 (age 62 as of 2022), in Pune, Bombay State, India. His zodiac sign is Taurus. He completed his schooling at Jnana Prabodhini Prashala in Pune, Maharashtra. His higher education included graduation from the National Defence Academy in Pune and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. He holds a master’s degree in Defence Studies from the University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and an M.Phil. in Defence and Management from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. His military education extended to the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, and the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 8″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
Family, Caste & Wife
Born into a Marathi Brahmin family, his father, Mukund Naravane, was an Indian Air Force officer, and his mother, Sudha, was an All India Radio announcer. He is married to Veena Naravane, a teacher and Vice President of the Army Wives Welfare Association. They have two daughters: Isha, a performing artist, and Amala, a PR consultant.
Career
Commissioned in June 1980 into the 7th battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment (service number IC-38750H), General Naravane’s 39-year career is marked by significant roles and achievements. His service included:
- Participation in the Indian peacekeeping force in Sri Lanka.
- Directing Staff at the Army War College’s Higher Command Wing in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
- India’s Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar.
- Command of the Ambala-based Kharga Strike Corps (promoted to Lieutenant General in January 2016).
- General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Delhi area (January 2017).
- 20th General Officer Commander-in-Chief of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla (December 2017).
- Command of a Rashtriya Rifles battalion in Jammu & Kashmir, participating in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East.
- General Officer Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Command (October 2018), overseeing India’s border with China.
- Vice Chief of Army Staff (September 2019).
- Appointment as the 28th Chief of Army Staff on December 31, 2019.
- Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (December 2021).
- Retirement as Chief of Army Staff on April 30, 2022.
Awards & Honours
General Naravane’s distinguished service has been recognized through numerous awards:
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Sena Medal | 2015 |
| Vishisht Seva Medal | 2015 |
| Ati Vishisht Seva Medal | 2017 |
| Param Vishisht Seva Medal | 2019 |
| CoAS Commendation Card |
Facts/Trivia
Beyond his military career, General Naravane enjoys gardening, painting, golf, and yoga. Known for his humility, even during promotions, he would often say, “It’s part of the profession.” He excelled in sports and extracurricular activities during his school days. He commanded the 2017 Republic Day parade. He is the third Sikh Light Infantry officer to become Chief of Army Staff. He is considered a China expert and has extensive experience in anti-insurgency operations.
