Originally posted on 16 Jan 2011 :

With profound grief we report the sad demise of Lt Gen (Retd) Tripat Singh who passed away this morning (16 Jan 2011) in New Delhi.

Born on 08 Oct 1929 as the second son of Mr Sujan Singh who was the Head Master of the best known High School in Peshawar Cantt, the general came from an illustrious family. His elder brother, Mr Himmat Singh stood first in Punjab University in the matriculation examination and later rose to be Member (Mechanical) of the Railway Board.

Gen Tripat was the first, and till date the only EME officer to be appointed a PSO; he was the MGO during 1986-87. Well known for his professionalism, he was a warm hearted person with a large fan following. He left an indelible imprint on many institutions and units. He was appointed on the staff of the Institute of Defense Management (later named the CDM) when it was raised in 1972.

As the Commandant of 509 Army Base Workshop in Agra Cantt in 1975-77, he instituted several reforms and is still remembered for the kind of dynamic and lively leadership which he provided.

As a Maj Gen, in 1981, he met with a very serious road accident, and his career was all but stinted. At one point of time it seemed that he would never be able make a full recovery. But through sheer will power and determination he bounced back  after being hospitalized for about six  months.

On a purely personal note, I would like to add that for me and my brothers, “Himmat – Tripat” set some imposing targets of academic achievement. Our father served in the school I mentioned above, and if we were ever seen wasting our time or floundering in a subject, we were told, “If Himmat-Tripat can do it, why can’t you?”

For what little we have been able to achieve in life, we brothers owe a debt of gratitude to Gen Tripat Singh and his kinsfolk.

May his soul rest in peace.