Assam’s Pride: Lt. Gen Rana Pratap Kalita Honoured with Vaibhav Award, Announces CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today announced that Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita (Retd) has been chosen as the recipient of the prestigious Assam Vaibhav Award, the highest civilian honor in the state. The announcement was made at a press conference, where the Chief Minister lauded the officer’s outstanding contributions to the nation’s defense.

Lieutenant General Kalita’s illustrious career in the Indian Army spans an impressive four decades. A highly decorated officer, he has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. His tenure with the army concluded on December 31, 2023, effectively ending a remarkable service of 40 years.

Born into a military family, Lieutenant General Kalita’s early education was at Sainik School, Goalpara, and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was commissioned in the 9 Kumaon Regiment on June 9, 1984. Throughout his illustrious career, he has commanded various units, including a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in the intense Counter Insurgency environment in Jammu and Kashmir, a Mountain Brigade in peace, an Infantry Division in Jammu and Kashmir, and a Corps in the North East.

He has also held key appointments in various departments, including the Middle School Branch, Officer’s List Directorate, and the Adjutant General’s Branch. Additionally, he has served as an Instructor at the Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai, and as a Directing Staff in the Higher Command Wing of the Army War College, Mhow. The officer has also had two tenures in the United Nations, serving as a Military Observer in Sierra Leone and Chief Operations Officer in Sudan.

A significant milestone in his career came when he became the first officer from Assam to hold the charge of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. He succeeded Lieutenant General Manoj Pande on his elevation to Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Notably, he served as the Colonel of the Kumaon and Naga Regiments and the Kumaon Scouts. His exceptional leadership and dedication to duty have been widely recognized, and his selection for the Assam Vaibhav Award is a testament to his illustrious career.

As the Chief Minister of Assam announces his selection, Lieutenant General Kalita’s name will forever be etched in the annals of Assam’s history, and his contributions to the nation’s defense will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/lt-gen-rana-pratap-kalita-retd-to-receive-assam-vaibhav-award-announces-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-1181599-2025-03-09?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-09 20:23:00