General Joginder Jaswant Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), hails from a family which epitomises Tryst with the Olive Greens: a history, which spans three generations, pre and post independence. The roots of the family draw their steadfast determination, raw courage and groundings from the land of rugged mountains. The ancestors hail from village Marwah, in Doda District of Pir Panjal Ranges. Joginder Jaswant Singh was born on 17 Sep 1945, to Lieutenant Jaswant Singh Marwah and Rani Jaspal Kaur at Bahawalpur (Undivided India).

The General grew up in the Army environs, a life characterised by simplicity, deep bonding with peers and juniors keen interest in outdoor activities. He joined the National Defence Academy in Jan 1961. JJ Singh was commissioned into 9th Maratha Light Infantry on 02 Aug 1964.

He became the 22nd Chief of Army Staff and commanded the second largest Army of the world from 31 Jan 2005 - 30 Sept 2007. In the last year of his service, he held the appointment of Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Armed forces of India in addition to being the Army Chief.

During his tenure General JJ Singh, refined operational planning by co-opting the battle winning role of revolution in military affairs and provided focussed direction based on the ‘Doctrine of the Indian Army’ having earlier been its architect, while in command of the Army Training Command. His operational experience of over 12 years gave him the insight to develop and propound the philosophy of `Iron Fist in Velvet Gloves’ to successfully conduct the counter terrorist operations. He has done all the professional courses to include Defence Services Staff Course, Senior Command, Higher Command and National Defence College Courses. He has also had the privilege of being the first Indian Defence Attache in Algeria. He has the experience of commanding an elite Strike Corps during Exercise Poorna Vijay (Decisive Victory) and Operation Parakram. He was the General Officer Commanding in Chief of the prestigious Army Training Command and Western Army prior to his taking over as army Chief.

The General was appointed as Governor of the State of Arunachal Pradesh in Jan 2008 by Her Excellency the President of India and was sworn in on 27 Jan 2008. Arunachal Pradesh is strategically located in the North East of India, and has common borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan.

Immediately after taking over as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh His Excellency Gen JJ Singh hosted Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 31st Jan, 08 during his maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The Govt of India has announced a massive development package of Rs 20,000 crores in 2007 for Arunachal Pradesh which includes major infrastructural projects related to road, rail, air connectivity and power. The Governor is taking keen interest and is monitoring all the developmental activities and security of the State, as well as taking care of his special constitutional obligation with regard to maintenance of law and order in the State. In fact, with his presence the pace of development has multiplied manifold. His concern, involvement and vision for the State of Arunachal have earned him the sobriquet of a ‘Soldiers General and People’s Governor’.

On retirement he has been appointed as Honorary Colonel of the Maratha Light Infantry. Recognising the distinguished contribution made by him towards India’s Security and Nation building ‘The Sikh Forum UK’ a renowned World Sikh body awarded him with coveted ‘Sikh of the Year 2007’ at London (UK) on 28 Oct 2007. He was also awarded the prestigious ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ on 26 Apr 08 by the Mother Teresa’s International & Millennium Awards Committee, for being ‘The protector of the country and a social worker’. The World Punjabi Organisation conferred him the ‘Punjabi Ratan Award’ for his ‘Invaluable Contribution to the Nation’ on 11 Apr 2009.

He is married to Mrs Anupama Singh and they have a son and a daughter. A multi linguist who speaks fluent French and some Arabic among other languages, General Singh is widely considered to be a thinking and perceptive soldier who is a thorough professional.

His distinguished and dedicated service of forty six years to the Nation and his current assignment is reflective of his avant garde leadership, professional excellence, vision and humanitarian values.

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