He graduated from the National Defence Academy,[1][3] and attended various staff courses in training academies of the Indian Army throughout the country. Singh worked closely with UN Peacekeeping forces stationed in Angola and was commended by the chief and UN Force Commander during his tenure. He held several appointments as commanding officer and also staff appointments at the headquarters of the Indian Army. He has been twice awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.[Note 1][4]
In 2019, Singh was appointed as State Information Commissioner[5] and was inducted into Chandigarh Advisory Council.[citation needed] He was nominated as Chairman of Education Standing Committee of UT Advisory Council in 2022.[6] He was awarded Ph D in Defence Studies in Oct 2023.[7] He was conferred with designation of Honorary Professor in PU in Sep 23 and as Prof of Practice in Chandigarh University in Oct 23. His first book, General's Jottings was released in Kasauli LitFest- ISBN978-93-92210-91-4.
Personal life and education
Singh graduated from the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla,[3] and was awarded the bronze medal (for academics). He attended various command courses, including the National Defence Course and Higher Command Course, and was awarded the Col. Pyare Lal Medal and Commandant's Medal for his performance. He also attended the Defence Services Staff Course.[Note 2][4][8][1][9]
Singh's wife, Anita, coordinated the winning team[Note 3] of the Global Space Settlement Design Competition held by NASA and was awarded the Government of Punjab's Samman Patra. The couple have two sons, Sahil and Samrat, who both work in the private sector.[4][9]
During his time with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces (UNPKF), Singh served as chief operations officer and team commander. He was commended by the Chief of the Indian Army Staff and also received the UN Force Commander's citation for his contributions to UNPKF.[4][8][9]
His staff appointments include brigade major of an armoured brigade, assistant military secretary (Policy), military assistant to deputy chief of army staff (COAS), colonel general staff of division involved in counter-insurgency operations, brigadier general staff of a Strike Corps, and additional director general (Perspective Planning) at the headquarters of the Indian Army.[Note 4] He served as an instructor at the School of Armoured Warfare and also on the Directing Staff at the Higher Command Wing of the Army War College, Mhow.[Note 5][4][8][9] He was succeeded by Lieutenant General Surinder Singh as the GOC-in-C Western Command.[10]
Singh was honoured by the Punjab Government on the 550th Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak.[12]
Controversy
In May 2016, Singh was allegedly involved in a verbal spat with Lieutenant General R. Ravindran, then General Officer Commanding (GoC) Delhi Area regarding the functioning of the GoC. Subsequently, Ravindran was transferred to Lucknow. The Army HQ called it a routine transfer.[13]
