Devendra Pratap Pandey

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific_prefix = Lieutenant General

| name = Devendra Pratap Pandey

| honorific_suffix = {{Post-nominals|country=IND|PVSM|UYSM|AVSM|VSM|size=90%}}

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| image = Lt Gen DP Pandey.jpg

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| office = Commandant, Army War College Mhow

| term_start = 10 May 2022

| term_end = 22 August 2023

| predecessor = VS Srinivasan

| successor = Lt Gen Harjit Singh sahi

| office1 = General Officer Commanding XV Corps

| term_start1 = 18 March 2021

| term_end1 = 9 May 2022

| predecessor1 = B. S. Raju

| successor1 = Amardeep Singh Aujla

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|06|17|df=y}}

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| birth_place = Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

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| allegiance = {{IND}}

| branch = {{army|India}}

| serviceyears = 14 December 1985 – 30 June 2024

| rank = 22px

Lieutenant General

| military_blank1 = Service number

| military_data1 = IC-43285L {{cite web | url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1999669 | title=75th Republic Day: President approves Gallantry awards to 80 Armed Forces personnel, including 12 posthumous }}

| unit = 12px 9 Sikh Light Infantry

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| military_blank2 = Awards

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Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (born 17 June 1964) PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM is a retired general officer of the Indian Army. He was the Commandant of the Army War College, Mhow.{{Cite web |title=Lt Gen Devendra Pratap Pandey appointed as Army War College commandant |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lt-gen-devendra-pratap-pandey-appointed-as-army-war-college-commandant20220409124955/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |website=ANI News |language=en}} He previously served as the General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar based Chinar Corps(XV) succeeding Lieutenant General B. S. Raju after the latter completed his term as the Corps Commander.{{cite web |date=17 March 2021 |title=Lt Gen DP Pandey takes command of Chinar Corps |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/lt-gen-dp-pandey-takes-command-of-chinar-corps-101615983311147.html}} Prior to his appointment as the Chinar Corps Commander, the general served as the first Director General of Territorial Army of the Indian Army.{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/territorial-army-set-for-overhaul-as-voluntary-force-gets-its-first-director-general/374017/|title=Territorial Army set for overhaul as voluntary force gets its first director general|website=ThePrint |date=2 March 2020}}

Early life and education

Devendra Pratap Pandey hails from Gorakhpur and is an alumnus of St Mary's Carmel, Kendriya Vidyalaya Airforce Station, Gorakhpur, Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT New Delhi and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He also holds a master's degree in defence studies from University of Madras, Chennai and an M.Phil. in defence and management studies from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. He has also attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington,{{Cite magazine |last=Negi |first=Manjit |date=23 February 2021 |title=Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey to head Srinagar-based Chinar Corps|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lieutenant-general-devendra-pratap-pandey-to-head-srinagar-based-chinar-corps-1771990-2021-02-23 |magazine=India Today |access-date=24 February 2021}} and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

Military career

He was commissioned into 9th battalion The Sikh Light Infantry on 14 December 1985. He has served in Counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Qualified in high altitude warfare courses, he has commanded the 9th battalion The Sikh Light Infantry in north Siachen glacier and chushul sector of Eastern Ladakh. He also commanded a RR Sector. He also served as a military observer in Cambodia.

Gen Pandey has held numerous staff assignments which include a tenure as Brigade major of an infantry brigade in high-altitude area during operation Vijay (Kargil) and as a director in Infantry Directorate and also Director, Foreign Division in Military Intelligence Directorate, IHQ of MoD (Army), BGS (Ops) at HQ Western Command, Chandimandir and BGS at Chetak Corps.

In addition, he served as an assistant adjutant and instructor at the National Defence Academy, Pune. General officer has an extensive service experience along western borders, deserts of Rajasthan and Punjab.{{Cite web|title=Lt Gen BS Raju appointed DGMO, Territorial Army chief to be new Chinar Corps Commander|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/lt-gen-bs-raju-to-be-new-director-general-of-military-operations-of-army|access-date=24 February 2021|website=Free Press Journal|language=en}}

= General officer =

Promoted to the rank of Major general, he was appointed General officer commanding Counter Insurgency Force-K (Kilo Force) in the Kashmir Valley. He then served as the Additional Director General of Public Information (ADGPI) at Army Headquarters. In the rank of Lieutenant General, he was the first Director General of Territorial Army (DGTA).{{cite web |last1=Philip |first1=Snehesh Alex |title=Territorial Army set for overhaul as voluntary force gets its first director general |url=https://theprint.in/defence/territorial-army-set-for-overhaul-as-voluntary-force-gets-its-first-director-general/374017/ |website=ThePrint |access-date=17 March 2023 |date=2 March 2020}}{{cite web | url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/who-lt-general-dp-pandey-new-commander-srinagars-chinar-corps-833525 | title=Who is Lt General DP Pandey; the new commander of Srinagar's Chinar Corps | website=International Business Times | date=23 February 2021 }}

=XV Corps Commander=

On 17 March 2021, Gen Pandey was appointed the General Officer Commanding XV Corps in Srinagar. XV Corps, also known as Chinar Corps, is responsible for military operations in the Kashmir valley.{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-lt-gen-dp-pandey-takes-command-of-15-corps/377478|title=Lt Gen DP Pandey Takes Command Of 15 Corps|date=19 January 2022|website=outlookindia.com}}

= Later career =

He was appointed as the Commandant of the Army War College, Mhow in April 2022 and took over on 9 May 2022. He retired on 30 June 2024 after almost 39 years of service in the Indian army.

File:ESFA1-KWsAIQE3P.jpg

Nation-first approach

= Hybrid terrorist =

With the challenge for security forces in the Kashmir valley in the form of hybrid terrorism, Lt Gen Pandey cautioned the Kashmiri society to be more vigilant of these ‘part-time’ terrorists.{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/killing-gunmen-easy-kashmirs-white-collar-terrorists-a-threat-says-armys-chinar-corps-chief/842137/|title=Killing gunmen easy, Kashmir's 'white collar terrorists' a threat, says Army's Chinar Corps chief|website=ThePrint |date=22 February 2022}} They influence & corrupt the youths’ ideology. He reiterated to continue efforts to recognise such people in the valley. Young people thought process should be towards peace and development.

Citizens and soldier connect

= Tiranga Revolution =

UT Administration through the Security Review Meeting forums and engaging secretary level functionaries along with grass-root public participation ushered in ‘Tiranga Revolution’.{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-at-75-100-feet-tall-national-flag-hoisted-at-hari-parbat-fort-in-srinagar/hari-parbat/slideshow/85364234.cms|title=India at 75: 100-feet tall national flag hoisted at Hari Parbat Fort in Srinagar - Hari Parbat|website=The Economic Times}} The Tricolor was dedicated to the people of J&K by Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lt Governor of J&K in the presence of GOC 15 Corps. Apart from this, Tricolor was hoisted at Kupwara, Awantipur, Shopian, Gulmarg and various Government offices and school giving a sense of ‘One Nation One Flag’.

= Festivals =

Lt Gen D P Pandey endeavoured to reinforce the pride among the people of Kashmir in their own cultural festivals by organising functions for Wular festival,{{Cite web|url=https://thekashmirimages.com/2021/09/09/indian-army-organizes-wular-festival-at-laharwalpura-ghat/|title=Indian Army organizes 'Wular Festival' at Laharwalpura Ghat|date=9 September 2021 }} Bangus mela,{{Cite web|url=https://thegnskashmir.com/bangus-awaami-mela-celebrated-with-fervour-in-lokut-bangus-valley/|title='Bangus Awaami Mela Celebrated With Fervour in Lokut Bangus Valley'|date=11 August 2021}} Doodpathri festival, Keran mela{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/keran-mela-organized-by-army-locals-concludes-in-j-ks-kupwara20211007031054/|title=Keran Mela organized by Army, locals concludes in J-K's Kupwara}} and many others.

Medical assistance

= Artificial limbs =

In co-operation with Jaipur-based NGO, Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS),{{Cite web|url=https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=45280|title=BMVSS: Changing Lives, One Jaipur Limb at a Time - Case - Faculty & Research - Harvard Business School|website=www.hbs.edu}} Artificial Limb fitment and assistance camps{{Cite web|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/kashmir-todays-paper/artificial-limb-fitment-camp-at-bb-cantt|title=Artificial limb fitment camp at BB Cantt|website=Greater Kashmir|date=16 November 2021 }} were organised for especially abled persons in 15 Corps Zone from 6 to 19 Oct 21. The joint venture between the Indian Army and Jaipur Foot Foundation was themed ‘Saksham Hum, Saksham Kashmir, Saksham Bharat’.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indian-army-conducts-artificial-limb-fitment-camp-in-srinagar20211117051545/|title=Indian Army conducts artificial limb fitment camp in Srinagar}}

Lt Gen DP Pandey complimented the NGO, Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti for its noble efforts. He emphasised that the artificial limbs would further invigorate the specially abled citizens to lead an enabled and empowered life. The camp has enabled and empowered specially abled Kashmiri citizens including children.

= Covid hospital =

To combat the surge of COVID-19 cases in Apr 2021 in Kashmir and to prepare of the anticipated third wave of COVID-19, a 50-bed COVID-19 facility was established and dedicated to the citizens of Kashmir. It will augment the infrastructure against the pandemic.

= Oxygen plant =

A non-operational oxygen plant (Enn Dee Gases){{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/army-revives-defunct-oxygen-plant-in-srinagar/articleshow/82809077.cms|title=Army revives defunct oxygen plant in Srinagar|first=Hakeem Irfan|last=Rashid|newspaper=The Economic Times}} with a capacity of filling 700 cylinders of oxygen per day, located at Rangreth was resuscitated by Chinar Corps. On the UT Administration's request, Chinar Corps co-opted IAF to transport the required spare parts from Mumbai. A team of technicians from 15 Corps Zone Workshop, Rangreth along with civil technicians made the plant serviceable within four days.

Oxygen plant of Enn Dee was lying out of action for last five years. It has the capacity of filling 700 cylinders of oxygen per day. It was vital to make this plant serviceable to increase the oxygen production capacity in the valley.

Guiding the youth

= Parivar School =

Lt Gen D P Pandey appreciated the noble step taken by the Indrani Balan Foundation{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/tag/indrani-balan-foundation|title=Indrani Balan Foundation|website=The Statesman }} for the people of Baramulla, which led to building of new infrastructure for the Parivaar School{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/mou-signed-for-financial-sustainability-of-army-goodwill-schools-in-kashmir/articleshow/89121994.cms|title=MoU signed for 'financial sustainability' of Army Goodwill Schools in Kashmir - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=25 January 2022 }} to facilitate a conducive learning environment for the specially abled children. More than 150 families of Baramulla district will be benefitted by this school.

The curriculum of the school has been created keeping in mind the type and degree of disability of the students. The building has been designed taking into account the needs of the students including specially abled friendly washrooms. More than 150 families of Baramulla district will be benefited by this school.

= National Cadet Corps =

Lt Gen D P Pandey facilitated the introduction of NCC camps{{Cite web|url=http://brighterkashmir.com//news/-gurez-absolutely-peaceful-tourists-enjoying-beauty-of-this-place-goc|title=Gurez absolutely peaceful, tourists enjoying beauty of this place: GoC|website=Brighter Kashmir}} in the remote bowls of Machhal, Keran & Gurez sectors. In addition, NCC camp were organised for the first time in Tangdhar and there are plans in pipeline to revive and expand NCC's foot prints across the valley.

= Kashmir Premiere League (KPL) 2021 =

Under the flagship of Chinar Corps, Kashmir Premiere League 2021{{Cite web|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/photos/in-pictures-budgam-wins-kashmir-premier-league-2021|title=In pictures: Budgam wins Kashmir Premier League-2021|website=Greater Kashmir|date=29 August 2021 }} was organised that engaged the youth, provided them a pedestal to showcase their talent and promote sports in the Valley. This wide reaching, multi-phased cricket tournament engaged 10 districts of Kashmir and elicited participation by nearly 3000 youth from 200 different teams. The tournament shed tremendous insight into the outstanding cricketing skills, excellent sportsmanship and talent among the Kashmiri youth and highlighted the synergy between Civil Administration, JKCA and the Army. Mr Yusuf Pathan, ex India cricketer gave away the prizes.

Education and sports

= Wushu martial arts championship =

An open championship in Wushu Martial Arts{{Cite web|url=https://www.theasa.in/single.php?id=35|title=Chinar Wushu Martial Arts Competition 2021|website=www.theasa.in}} was conducted on 14 & 15 Sep 21 at Manasbal lake. The event witnessed 279 x boys and girls participating in the events.

The championship was aimed at providing exposure to the budding young champions. The participants had exposure in learning & sharpening their skills. The participants, their parents and local populace were very happy to see such a big level tournament in which boys and girls participated together to promote the spirit of sports.

= Dhruva Bike Rally =

To commemorate the 22nd year of victory in Kargil war, HQ Northern Command conducted a two-day Dhruva Kargil Rally to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas. Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi, then GOC-in-C, Northern Command led the rally.

= Clean Dal & Jhelum Campaigns =

‘Save Dal’ and ‘Clean Jhelum’ Campaigns{{Cite web |title=J&K WITNESSING GOLDEN PERIOD: LG |url=https://www.journeyline.in/newsdet.aspx?q=235684 |website=Journeyline.in}} were organised to promote eco-conservation. A number of events like ‘Shikara race’, a bike rally for ‘ Clean Dal’, and speed-boat rally carrying the National Flags were held. The campaign garnered massive local participation and respect for the Army.