Gen Kalkat is best remembered for being the Overall Commander of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka from February 1988 to March 1990 during Operation Pawan.
In an acknowledgement of his exemplary leadership during this pivotal operation, he was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), India’s foremost distinction for service in wartime. He was the first-ever recipient of the award, with only two others having been recognised since, both during the Kargil Conflict.
“He led the IPKF through its most complex period, the de-induction from Sri Lanka,” Lt Gen Hardev Singh Lidder (Retd), former Commanding Officer of the 9 Para Special Forces told ThePrint. “During Operation Pawan, I held the position of battalion commander under his leadership and he affectionately regarded us as the finest battalion. He exemplified the essence of a true politico-military strategist,” he added.
Col Vipul Talwar (Retd), who was in the same unit as Gen Kalkat and knew him from the early days of his career, fondly recollected his humility and mentorship.
“When I completed Staff College, I was posted with the battalion in Dehradun while Gen Kalkat was commanding a neighbouring formation,” recalled Col Vipul Talwar. “I was preparing a presentation on the Battle of Chhamb – a battle he had led as the commanding officer, during which the battalion earned a Vir Chakra. Gen Kalkat came all the way to meet me and personally discuss it. That’s the kind of leader he was—great, humble and genuinely invested in the growth of his juniors.”
In July 1991, Kalkat assumed the role of the first General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the newly established Army Training Command (ARTRAC), where he played an instrumental part in shaping future military doctrine. Following this, he served as the Commander of the Southern Command.
Upon his retirement, Gen Kalkat remained actively involved in defence policy and public discourse, exemplifying the essence of a soldier’s general until the end of his days.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
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