Former Army Chief General SF Rodrigues dies at 88; PM Modi offers condolences
India Today
General Sunith Francis Rodrigues (retd) served as the Chief of Army Staff from July 1, 1990, to June 30, 1993. He was also the 26th Governor of Punjab and 13th Administrator of Chandigarh.
Former Army Chief General SF Rodrigues (retd) passed away at 88 in Panjim, Goa on Friday.
General Sunith Francis Rodrigues (retd) was the 15th Chief of Army Staff from July 1, 1990, to June 30, 1993. He was also the 26th Governor of Punjab and 13th Administrator of Chandigarh.
SF Rodrigues, born in Mumbai, went to St Xavier’s High School, Fort Mumbai. He was commissioned into the Indian Army in the year 1952 and had an illustrious military career in the Regiment of Artillery for over four decades. The General Officer commanded a division, a corps, two Army commands and later became the Chief of Army Staff.
He was appointed as the 26th Governor of Punjab and 13th Administrative of Chandigarh from November 16, 2004, to January 22, 2010. He was an integral part of the proud fighting forces of the nation during the Sino-Indian War in 1962, the Indo-Pakistan War in 1965 and the Indo-Pak War in 1971.
General S F Rodrigues was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal in recognition of his dedication and service beyond the call of duty during his coloured service of forty-one years.
He was also instrumental in the induction of women in the serving area of the Army in 1991, marking an important step towards empowering women to serve their country.
Post superannuation, the officer also held the designation of Member, National Security Advisory Board and was Director, International Centre, Goa. The last rites of S F Rodrigues are scheduled to be held at Moksha Crematorium at St Inez Panaji in Goa on March 7 at 3.30 pm.
