Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan Receives a Grand Welcome in His Ancestral Village in Pauri Garhwal ✨🇮🇳
On Friday, General Anil Chauhan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), arrived in Sri Nagar Garhwal and his native village Gwana (Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand). The visit was deeply emotional and special, marking his first trip back to his roots since becoming the country’s second CDS in September 2022.
As his helicopter landed at the Chauras helipad, local administration and Army officers gave him a warm welcome. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride. Upon reaching the village, locals turned out in large numbers to greet their “son of the soil” with traditional Garhwali rituals, flower garlands, and heartfelt affection. The entire village wore a festive look as people eagerly waited for a glimpse of the man who has risen to one of the highest military positions in the country.
General Chauhan took time to meet the villagers, inquired about their well-being, and listened to their stories. The residents expressed immense pride in his contributions to the nation, while he humbly thanked them and reaffirmed his deep connection with the village and his commitment to its development.
Before reaching the village, he offered prayers at the historic Rajrajeshwari Temple in Devalgarh, seeking blessings for the prosperity of the region and the security of the nation. The temple premises were buzzing with excitement over his visit.
The visit was also a family occasion. General Chauhan has come to spend time with his family as his niece’s wedding is scheduled in three days. He blessed his niece and presented her with gifts.
Born on 18 May 1961 in the quiet hilly village of Gwana (Khirsu block, Pauri Garhwal), General Anil Chauhan hails from a simple Garhwali Rajput family. His childhood was rooted in the rugged beauty of the Himalayas — shaped by the values of simplicity, hard work, and patriotism that define the people of Uttarakhand.
He was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1981 after passing out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. A proud alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), he has had a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He has commanded troops on the Line of Control, led a brigade in Manipur, a division in Kashmir, and a corps in the North East. He also served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command from 2019 to 2021.
In September 2022, he was appointed as India’s second Chief of Defence Staff — the first officer to be recalled to active four-star duty after retirement. He is a highly decorated officer with awards that include Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
For the people of Gwana and Pauri Garhwal, this visit was not just about a high-ranking officer — it was about one of their own returning home. A son of the soil who has brought immense pride to the hills of Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand has now given the nation two Chiefs of Defence Staff — the late General Bipin Rawat and now General Anil Chauhan — a powerful testimony to the bravery, discipline, and patriotism that runs deep in this Devbhoomi.
There’s something truly heartwarming about watching a man who holds one of the most powerful military positions in the country return to his modest village, meet his people, pray in the local temple, and attend a family wedding.
Roots that remain strong, no matter how high one rises.
Jai Hind! Jai Garhwal! 🇮🇳🏔️
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