General Bikram Singh takes charge Chief of Army Staff

New Delhi, May 31 (ANI): General Bikram Singh took charge of the Indian Army on Thursday (May 31), succeeding General V.K. Singh who proceeded on superannuation after 42 years of distinguished service in the army.

The change of command was solemnised at a ceremony in the Army Chief's office. General Bikram Singh will formally assume charge as the 25th Chief of Army Staff on June 1, 2012.

General Bikram Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC is an alumnus of the Punjab Public School, Nabha. He was commissioned into The Sikh Light Infantry in March 1972.

During his military career spanning over forty years, the General has held various high profile command and staff appointments. He has commanded an infantry battalion in the North East and on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, a RR Sector and an infantry division in Northern Command.

He has commanded the 15 Corps and the Eastern Army Command. He has served in three UN Peace Keeping Missions.

The general has also held important staff appointments at Army Headquarters, which include tenures in military pperations, perspective planning and staff duties.

Besides holding two Masters Degrees from India, he also holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Defence Studies from the USA.

The general is an avid sportsman. Cricket, athletics and hockey are his favourite games. (ANI)