From Classmates to Commanders: Sainik School graduates Dwivedi and Tripathi now command India's Armed Forces

For the first time in Indian military history, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, former classmates from Sainik School Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, have ascended to the top positions of the Indian Army and Navy. This unique educational connection marks a significant milestone in military leadership.

Early Bonding at Sainik School Rewa
The two officers were together in Class 5th-A during the early 1970s, with roll numbers 931 and 938. Their bond, formed during these early years, persisted throughout their careers, despite serving in different branches of the military.

A defense official noted the importance of strong friendships among senior military leaders, emphasizing that such relationships enhance cooperation between the services. Their appointments, occurring just two months apart, highlight the value of this camaraderie.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Bharat Bhushan Babu remarked, "For the first time in Indian Military history, chiefs of Navy and Army hail from the same school. This rare honour of nurturing two prodigious students, who would go on to lead their respective services 50 years later, goes to Sainik School, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh."


Distinguished Careers
Admiral Tripathi took command of the Indian Navy on May 1, while Lieutenant General Dwivedi has assumed his role as Army Chief today. Born on July 1, 1964, Lieutenant General Dwivedi was commissioned into the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984, and has extensive experience, particularly in operations on the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

Legacy of Sainik School Rewa
Bharat Bhushan Babu further highlighted the school's impact, stating, "Listen to this story of pride & honour of one school, grit & determination of two men, hope & inspiration of thousands of youth in this week’s Raksha Sutra 'A journey of two classmates to the pinnacle.'" This milestone is a testament to the influence of Sainik School Rewa, underscoring its role in shaping two of India's top military leaders.