Kolkata : Lieutenant General RP Kalita, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC-in-C Eastern Command, superannuates from service on 31st Dec 2023 after four decades of illustrious service. His tenure in the office witnessed a large number of challenges along LAC, Internal Security situation and Natural Calamities which were successfully handled under his able guidance.
The situation in Manipur was handled swiftly which saved many precious lives. Being a Soldier’s General, he exhorted his men to achieve moral ascendancy along the LAC over the adversary.
An alumnus of Sainik School Goalpara, National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy he was commissioned in 9 KUMAON on 09 Jun 1984.
The General Officer was Graduate of Defence Service Staff College and had attended Higher Command and National Defence College courses. In his 40 years of distinguished military career, he has the distinction of tenanting important and challenging command and staff appointments in North East and Jammu and Kashmir.
The General Officer commanded Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Intense Counter Insurgency environment in Jammu and Kashmir, Mountain Brigade and an Infantry Division in Jammu and Kashmir and Corps in North East.
The General Officer had rich experience by virtue of serving in varied staff appointments to include Colonel General Staff of a Division and Brigadier General Staff (Operations) of a Corps in highly active Counter Insurgency environment.
In addition, he had held key appointments in Military Secretary’s Branch, Operational Logistics Directorate and Adjutant General’s Branch in Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) and also Chief of the Staff, HQ Eastern Command.
He had also served as Instructor in OTA Chennai and Directing Staff in Higher Command Wing of Army War College, Mhow.
The General Officer had two tenures in United Nations as a Military observer in Sierra Leone and Chief Operations Officer in Sudan. For his illustrious contribution to the service, he was conferred with PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, and COAS Commendation Card & GOC-in-C Eastern Command Commendation Card.
He was posted as Director General Manpower Planning & Personal Services in Army Headquarters, New Delhi and was also the Colonel of The KUMAON & NAGA Regiments and KUMAON SCOUTS.
The General Officer laid wreath at Vijay Smarak in honour of the fallen bravehearts followed by guard of honour at Fort William on the occasion of his superannuation on 31st Dec 2023. He extended his best wishes to All Ranks & their families of Eastern Command.
The General will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution towards maintaining operational readiness of highest standards in Eastern Theatre thereby ensuring peace and stability. His dedication to service will continue to inspire the present and future generations to come.
