GUWAHATI: Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, general officer commanding (GOC) of 3 corps of the Indian army from Assam's Rangia received one of India's military decorations for wartime Distinguished service, the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal by President Ram Nath Kovind at Gallantry Awards in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Lt Gen Kalita was earlier honoured with Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal twice for his outstanding service. He is the first Assamese Army officer and the second from the northeast to be appointed as a corps commander and the second from the northeast. RP Kalita was named GOC of the III Corps, which is based in Rangapahar, near Dimapur.
He has also served as the commander of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Jammu and Kashmir and as a UN observer. In 2018, he was given the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for commanding the 19th infantry division in the Baramulla Line of Control.
On honoured by the medal, Kalita said, "I feel privileged and proud to receive the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal and would like to thank my parents and all the teachers for shaping me. I would like to thank the officers and men of Spear corps who have worked tirelessly in the tiring and difficult circumstances for the best interest of the nation. Jai Hind!" and also wishes everyone for the republic day.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on his Twitter, "Heartiest congratulations to Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, AVSM, SM, VSM, The Kumaon Regiment, HQ 3 Crops, on being honoured with Uttam Yuddh Seva Medal by Adarniya Rashtrapati Ji. He is the first Assamese Officer to be decorated with this prestigious award. Proud.
