New Delhi, Dec 8 (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in mourning the demise of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 military personnel who died in a helicopter crash at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
Sharing his grief on Twitter, President Kovind said that the nation has lost one of its bravest sons. "I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika Ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family," he posted on the microblogging site.
PM said that India would never forget Rawat's exceptional service to the nation. "Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti," PM said.