Arup Raha: Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|honorific_prefix= [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]]
| honorific_prefix     = [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]]
|name= Arup Raha
| name               = Arup Raha
| honorific_suffix = [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], [[Vayu Sena Medal|VM]], [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]]
| native_name        = অরূপ রাহা
| image = ACM Arup Raha.jpg
| native_name_lang    = bn
| caption=
| honorific_suffix       = [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], [[Vayu Sena Medal|VM]], [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]], [[Doctor of Letters|D.Litt.]]
|birth_date= {{birth date and age|df=yes|1954|12|26}}<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-31/india/45738689_1_iaf-chief-combat-development-establishment-air-marshal-arup-raha | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101204421/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-31/india/45738689_1_iaf-chief-combat-development-establishment-air-marshal-arup-raha | url-status=dead | archive-date=1 January 2014 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief | date=31 December 2013}}</ref>
| image               = ACM Arup Raha.jpg
|office    = 24th [[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of Air Staff]]
| caption             = Official portrait, 2014
| term_start = 31 December 2013
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1954|12|26}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 December 2013 |title=Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-31/india/45738689_1_iaf-chief-combat-development-establishment-air-marshal-arup-raha |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101204421/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-31/india/45738689_1_iaf-chief-combat-development-establishment-air-marshal-arup-raha |archive-date=1 January 2022}}</ref>
| term_end = 31 December 2016
| spouse              = Lily Raha
| president  = [[Pranab Mukherjee]]
| children            = Anusree Raha
| primeminister = [[Manmohan Singh]]<br>[[Narendra Modi]]
| office                = 54th [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]]
| predecessor = [[Norman Anil Kumar Browne]]
| term_start          = 31 July 2014
| successor = [[Birender Singh Dhanoa]]
| term_end            = 31 December 2016
|office1    = 37th [[Vice Chief of Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of Air Staff]]
| president          = [[Pranab Mukherjee]]
| term_start1 = 1 July 2013
| primeminister      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| term_end1 = 31 December 2013
| predecessor        = [[Bikram Singh (general)|Bikram Singh]]
| predecessor1 = Dinesh Chandra Kumaria
| successor          = [[Sunil Lanba]]
| successor1 = Ravi Kant Sharma
| office1              = 21st [[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of Air Staff]]
|birth_place= [[Baidyabati]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]]
| term_start1        = 31 December 2013
|allegiance= [[India]]
| term_end1          = 31 December 2016
|spouse = Lily Raha
| president1          = [[Pranab Mukherjee]]
|children = Anusree Raha, Atanu Raha
| primeminister1      = [[Manmohan Singh]]<br />[[Narendra Modi]]
|branch= {{Air force|India}}
| predecessor1        = [[Norman Anil Kumar Browne]]
|serviceyears=1975-2016
| successor1          = [[Birender Singh Dhanoa]]
|rank= [[File:India-AirForce-OF-9-collected.svg|30px]] [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]]<ref name=thehindu1>{{cite news|title=Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/arup-raha-takes-over-as-iaf-chief/article5522301.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=31 December 2013|location=Chennai, India|date=31 December 2013}}</ref>  
| office2            = 37th [[Vice Chief of Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of Air Staff]]
| commands= [[Western Air Command]]<br/>[[Central Air Command]]<br/>[[Bathinda Airport|AFS Bathinda]] <br/>[[Adampur Air Force Base|AFS Adampur]]<br/>47 Squadron IAF
| term_start2        = 1 July 2013
|awards= [[Param Vishist Seva Medal]] (PVSM)<br>[[Ati Vishist Seva Medal]] (AVSM)<br /> [[Vayusena Medal]] (VM)<ref name="CAC">{{cite web |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_command.php?pg_id=28&page_type=command&comm_id=3# |title=Central Air Command |publisher=Indianairforce.nic.in |accessdate=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814215441/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_command.php?pg_id=28&page_type=command&comm_id=3 |archive-date=14 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| term_end2          = 31 December 2013
|Callsign=
| president2          = [[Pranab Mukherjee]]
|image_size=220px}}
| primeminister2      = [[Manmohan Singh]]
[[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] '''Arup Raha''', [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], [[Vayusena Medal|VM]], [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]] ({{lang-bn|অরূপ রাহা}}) was the 24th [[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] and served from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2016.<ref name=thehindu1>{{cite news|title=Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/arup-raha-takes-over-as-iaf-chief/article5522301.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=31 December 2013|location=Chennai, India|date=31 December 2013}}</ref> He was also the [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]], a post occupied by India's senior-most military officer, who advises the government and ensures jointsmanship in the armed forces.<ref name="Chairman of COSC">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/422782/arup-raha-chief-staff.html |title=Arup Raha is new chief of staff|work=Deccan Herald|accessdate=30 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="toi1">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-02/india/28120024_1_western-front-western-air-command-mig-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227063717/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-02/india/28120024_1_western-front-western-air-command-mig-29 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 December 2013 |title=Arup Raha takes over as senior Air Staff Officer at WAC|date=2 April 2010 |work=[[The Times of India]] |accessdate=23 June 2012}}</ref>
| predecessor2        = Dinesh Chandra Kumaria
| successor2          = Ravi Kant Sharma
| birth_place         = [[Baidyabati]], [[West Bengal]], India
| allegiance         = {{flag|India}}
| branch             = {{air force|India}}
| serviceyears       = 1975–2016
| rank               = [[File:Indian IAF OF-9.svg|25px]] [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]]<ref name=thehindu1>{{cite news|title=Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/arup-raha-takes-over-as-iaf-chief/article5522301.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=31 December 2013|location=Chennai, India|date=31 December 2022}}</ref>
| commands           = [[Western Air Command]]<br />[[Central Air Command]]<br />[[Bathinda Airport|AFS Bathinda]] <br />[[Adampur Air Force Base|AFS Adampur]]<br />47 Squadron IAF
| battles            = [[Kargil War]]
| military_blank2    = Awards
| military_data2      = {{plainlist|
* [[File:Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
* [[File:Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
* [[File:Vayusena_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Vayu Sena Medal]]<ref name="CAC">{{Cite web |title=Central Air Command |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_command.php?pg_id=28&page_type=command&comm_id=3# |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814215441/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_command.php?pg_id=28&page_type=command&comm_id=3 |archive-date=14 August 2012 |access-date=23 June 2012 |publisher=Indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref>
}}
| Callsign           =  
| image_size         = 220px
}}
[[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] '''Arup Raha''', [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], [[Vayusena Medal|VM]], [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]], [[Doctor of Letters|D.Litt.]] ([[Honorary degree|honorary]]) ({{lang-bn|অরূপ রাহা}}) was the 21st [[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] and served from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2016.<ref name=thehindu1>{{cite news|title=Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/arup-raha-takes-over-as-iaf-chief/article5522301.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=31 December 2013|location=Chennai, India|date=31 December 2022}}</ref> He was also the [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]], a post occupied by India's senior-most military officer, who advises the government and ensures jointsmanship in the armed forces.<ref name="Chairman of COSC">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/422782/arup-raha-chief-staff.html |title=Arup Raha is new chief of staff|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=30 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="toi1">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-02/india/28120024_1_western-front-western-air-command-mig-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227063717/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-02/india/28120024_1_western-front-western-air-command-mig-29 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 December 2013 |title=Arup Raha takes over as senior Air Staff Officer at WAC|date=2 April 2010 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=23 June 2022}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==


Raha was born in a [[Bengalis|Bengali]] family on 26 December 1954 in the city of [[Baidyabati]], an area under the [[Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority]] which is in the Indian State of [[West Bengal]]. His father was a reputed [[Physician|doctor]]. He was educated at [[Sainik School Purulia]] (1970 batch).<ref>http://www.indianexpress.com/news/air-marshal-arup-raha-to-be-iaf-chief/1188816/</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jayanta Gupta|date=26 January 2012|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-26/kolkata/30666563_1_cadets-sainik-schools-ssb-interview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104022527/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-26/kolkata/30666563_1_cadets-sainik-schools-ssb-interview |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Sainik School in Purulia turns 50, Air Marshal to be chief guest|accessdate=23 June 2012}}</ref>
Raha was born in a [[Bengalis|Bengali]] family on 26 December 1954 in the city of [[Baidyabati]], an area under the [[Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority]] which is in the Indian State of [[West Bengal]]. His father was a reputed [[Physician|doctor]]. He was educated at [[Sainik School Purulia]] (1970 batch).<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 2013 |title=Air Marshal Arup Raha to be IAF Chief |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/air-marshal-arup-raha-to-be-iaf-chief/1188816/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jayanta Gupta|date=26 January 2012|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-26/kolkata/30666563_1_cadets-sainik-schools-ssb-interview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104022527/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-26/kolkata/30666563_1_cadets-sainik-schools-ssb-interview |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Sainik School in Purulia turns 50, Air Marshal to be chief guest|accessdate=23 June 2022}}</ref>


==Military training==
==Military training==
Line 42: Line 60:


==Military career==
==Military career==
Raha has flown a wide variety of combat and trainer aircraft. After initial training on the [[HAL HT-2]], he has flown the [[MIG-21]] and [[MIG-29]] aircraft and has commanded a [[MiG-29]] fighter squadron and two frontline airbases along India's Western front. As on 2 April 2010, he had 3,400 hours of flying experience.<ref name="toi1"/> Raha previously served as the [[Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Air Staff]] of the [[Indian Air Force]]<ref name="VCOAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/air-marshal-arup-raha-to-take-over-as-iaf-vice-chief/article4866206.ece|title=Air Marshal Arup Raha to take over as IAF Vice Chief|accessdate=3 July 2013}}</ref> and as the [[Air officer commanding|Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] (AOC-in-C) of the [[Western Air Command]],<ref name="CAC">{{cite web |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_command.php?pg_id=28&page_type=command&comm_id=3# |title=Central Air Command |publisher=Indianairforce.nic.in |accessdate=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814215441/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_command.php?pg_id=28&page_type=command&comm_id=3 |archive-date=14 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and that of the [[Central Air Command]].<ref name="toi1" /> He has also served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters, Western Air Command and Deputy Commandant at [[Air Force Academy, Dundigul|Air Force Academy, Hyderabad]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=18 |title=Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha's official profile |access-date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217061546/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=18 |archive-date=17 February 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Raha has flown a wide variety of combat and trainer aircraft. After initial training on the [[HAL HT-2]], he has flown the [[MIG-21]] and [[MIG-29]] aircraft and has commanded a [[MiG-29]] fighter squadron and two frontline airbases along India's Western front. As on 2 April 2010, he had 3,400 hours of flying experience.<ref name="toi1"/> Raha previously served as the [[Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Air Staff]] of the [[Indian Air Force]]<ref name="VCOAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/air-marshal-arup-raha-to-take-over-as-iaf-vice-chief/article4866206.ece|title=Air Marshal Arup Raha to take over as IAF Vice Chief|accessdate=3 July 2022}}</ref> and as the [[Air officer commanding|Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] (AOC-in-C) of the [[Western Air Command]],<ref name="CAC"/> and that of the [[Central Air Command]].<ref name="toi1" /> He has also served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters, Western Air Command and Deputy Commandant at [[Air Force Academy, Dundigul|Air Force Academy, Hyderabad]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=18 |title=Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha's official profile |access-date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217061546/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=18 |archive-date=17 February 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Raha has held many important staff appointments in India and abroad.  
Raha has held many important staff appointments in India and abroad.  
Line 53: Line 71:
! Name of Appointment !! Rank !!Insignia !!Period
! Name of Appointment !! Rank !!Insignia !!Period
|-
|-
| [[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of Air Staff]] || [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]]||[[File:Air Chief Marshal of IAF.png|35px]] || 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2016
| [[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of Air Staff]] || [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]]||[[File:Indian IAF OF-9.svg|64x64px]]|| 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2016
|-
|-
| Vice Chief of Air Staff || [[Air Marshal]]||[[File:Air Marshal of IAF.png|35px]] || 1 July 2013 to 31 Dec 2013
| Vice Chief of Air Staff || [[Air Marshal]]||[[File:Indian IAF OF-8.svg|64x64px]]|| 1 July 2013 to 31 Dec 2013
|-
|-
| Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the [[Western Air Command (India)|Western Air Command]] of the [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] || [[Air Marshal]]|| [[File:Air Marshal of IAF.png|35px]] || 1 June 2012 to 30 June 2013
| Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the [[Western Air Command (India)|Western Air Command]] of the [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] || [[Air Marshal]]|| [[File:Indian IAF OF-8.svg|64x64px]]|| 1 June 2012 to 30 June 2013
|-
|-
| Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the [[Central Air Command]] of the [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] || [[Air Marshal]]||[[File:Air Marshal of IAF.png|35px]]|| 2 Nov 2011 to 31 May 2012
| Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the [[Central Air Command]] of the [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] || [[Air Marshal]]||[[File:Indian IAF OF-8.svg|64x64px]]|| 2 Nov 2011 to 31 May 2012
|-
|-
| Senior Air Staff Officer at [[Western Air Command (India)|Western Air Command]] || [[Air Vice Marshal]]||[[File:Air Vice Marshal of IAF.png|35px]] || till 1 Nov 2011
| Senior Air Staff Officer at [[Western Air Command (India)|Western Air Command]] || [[Air Vice Marshal]]||[[File:Indian IAF OF-7.svg|64x64px]]|| till 1 Nov 2011
|-
|-
| Directing Staff at [[Flying Instructors School (India)|Flying Instructors School,Tambaram]]|| [[Air Commodore]]||[[File:Air Commodore of IAF.png|35px]] ||  Unknown  
| Directing Staff at [[Flying Instructors School (India)|Flying Instructors School,Tambaram]]|| [[Air Commodore]]||[[File:Indian IAF OF-6.svg|64x64px]]||  Unknown  
|-
|-
| Commanding Officer of No: 47 Squadron IAF Black Archers || [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]]||[[File:Wing Commander of IAF.png|35px]] || 8 June 1992 to 5 June 1994  
| Commanding Officer of No: 47 Squadron IAF Black Archers || [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]]||[[File:Indian IAF OF-4.svg|64x64px]]|| 8 June 1992 to 5 June 1994  
|}
|}


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


Arup Raha is married to Lily Raha and they have two children. The son, Atanu, is a commercial pilot who is married to Sanskriti Chatterjee Raha, a professional [[Kathakali]] dancer. The daughter, Anusree Raha, is an [[Indian Economic Service]] officer and a [[TEDx]] speaker, and is married to Bodhisattwa Biswas, an alumnus of [[Indian School of Business]].<ref>http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_exchief.php?pg_id=130&ch=24</ref><ref>http://www.ies.gov.in/myaccount-profile-view.php?memid=478</ref>
Arup Raha is married to Lily Raha and they have two children. The son, Atanu, is a commercial pilot who is married to Sanskriti Chatterjee Raha, a professional [[Kathakali]] dancer. The daughter, Anusree Raha, is an [[Indian Economic Service]] officer and a [[TEDx]] speaker, and is married to Bodhisattwa Biswas, an alumnus of [[Indian School of Business]].<ref>http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_exchief.php?pg_id=130&ch=24 {{Bare URL inline|date=April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ies.gov.in/myaccount-profile-view.php?memid=478 | title=Indian Economic Service }}</ref>


==Awards and decorations==
==Awards and decorations==
Line 93: Line 111:
|-
|-
|[[Samanya Seva Medal]]
|[[Samanya Seva Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|Operation Parakram Medal]]
|[[Operation Parakram Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|Sainya Seva Medal]]
|[[Sainya Seva Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|Videsh Seva Medal]]
|[[Videsh Seva Medal]]
|-
|-
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|50th Anniversary of Independence Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|50th Anniversary of Independence Medal]]
Line 102: Line 120:
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|9 Years Long Service Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|9 Years Long Service Medal]]
|}
|}
In 2018, the state-run [[Sidho Kanho Birsha University]] awarded Arup Raha with an honorary [[Doctor of Letters|D.Litt.]] degree during its convocation ceremony.<ref>https://www.aajkaal.in/news/state/dlit-for-arup-raha-gutx</ref>
In 2018, the state-run [[Sidho Kanho Birsha University]] awarded Arup Raha with an honorary [[Doctor of Letters|D.Litt.]] degree during its convocation ceremony.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aajkaal.in/news/state/dlit-for-arup-raha-gutx | title=Aajkaal: Bengali News, Bangla News, Breaking News in Bengali }}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 23:35, 6 August 2022

Air Chief Marshal
Arup Raha
PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, D.Litt.
অরূপ রাহা
ACM Arup Raha.jpg
Official portrait, 2014
54th Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee
In office
31 July 2014 – 31 December 2016
PresidentPranab Mukherjee
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byBikram Singh
Succeeded bySunil Lanba
21st Chief of Air Staff
In office
31 December 2013 – 31 December 2016
PresidentPranab Mukherjee
Prime MinisterManmohan Singh
Narendra Modi
Preceded byNorman Anil Kumar Browne
Succeeded byBirender Singh Dhanoa
37th Vice Chief of Air Staff
In office
1 July 2013 – 31 December 2013
PresidentPranab Mukherjee
Prime MinisterManmohan Singh
Preceded byDinesh Chandra Kumaria
Succeeded byRavi Kant Sharma
Personal details
Born (1954-12-26) 26 December 1954 (age 70)[1]
Baidyabati, West Bengal, India
Spouse(s)Lily Raha
ChildrenAnusree Raha
Military service
Allegiance India
Branch/service Indian Air Force
Years of service1975–2016
RankIndian IAF OF-9.svg Air Chief Marshal[2]
CommandsWestern Air Command
Central Air Command
AFS Bathinda
AFS Adampur
47 Squadron IAF
Battles/warsKargil War
Awards

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, D.Litt. (honorary) (Bengali: অরূপ রাহা) was the 21st Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force and served from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2016.[2] He was also the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, a post occupied by India's senior-most military officer, who advises the government and ensures jointsmanship in the armed forces.[4][5]

Early life and education

Raha was born in a Bengali family on 26 December 1954 in the city of Baidyabati, an area under the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority which is in the Indian State of West Bengal. His father was a reputed doctor. He was educated at Sainik School Purulia (1970 batch).[6][7]

Military training

Raha was trained at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, India, from July 1970 to June 1973, and at the time of graduating from NDA in June 1973, he was awarded the Gold Medal for being the best cadet of the 44th NDA course. Subsequently, he did flying training on HT-2 and Kiran ( HJT-16 ) at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, before being commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in Dec 1974. After flying Hunters in Operational Conversion Unit, he went on to fly Mig -21 aircraft.

Military career

Raha has flown a wide variety of combat and trainer aircraft. After initial training on the HAL HT-2, he has flown the MIG-21 and MIG-29 aircraft and has commanded a MiG-29 fighter squadron and two frontline airbases along India's Western front. As on 2 April 2010, he had 3,400 hours of flying experience.[5] Raha previously served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force[8] and as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Western Air Command,[3] and that of the Central Air Command.[5] He has also served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters, Western Air Command and Deputy Commandant at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.[9]

Raha has held many important staff appointments in India and abroad.

Air Chief calls on PM

Notable appointments held

Name of Appointment Rank Insignia Period
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Indian IAF OF-9.svg 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2016
Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Indian IAF OF-8.svg 1 July 2013 to 31 Dec 2013
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command of the IAF Air Marshal Indian IAF OF-8.svg 1 June 2012 to 30 June 2013
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command of the IAF Air Marshal Indian IAF OF-8.svg 2 Nov 2011 to 31 May 2012
Senior Air Staff Officer at Western Air Command Air Vice Marshal Indian IAF OF-7.svg till 1 Nov 2011
Directing Staff at Flying Instructors School,Tambaram Air Commodore Indian IAF OF-6.svg Unknown
Commanding Officer of No: 47 Squadron IAF Black Archers Wing Commander Indian IAF OF-4.svg 8 June 1992 to 5 June 1994

Personal life

Arup Raha is married to Lily Raha and they have two children. The son, Atanu, is a commercial pilot who is married to Sanskriti Chatterjee Raha, a professional Kathakali dancer. The daughter, Anusree Raha, is an Indian Economic Service officer and a TEDx speaker, and is married to Bodhisattwa Biswas, an alumnus of Indian School of Business.[10][11]

Awards and decorations

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Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vayu Sena Medal
Samanya Seva Medal Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal Videsh Seva Medal
50th Anniversary of Independence Medal 30 Years Long Service Medal 20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal

In 2018, the state-run Sidho Kanho Birsha University awarded Arup Raha with an honorary D.Litt. degree during its convocation ceremony.[12]

References

  1. ↑ "Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief". The Times of India. 31 December 2013. Archived from the original on 1 January 2022. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch (help)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Arup Raha takes over as IAF chief". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 31 December 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Central Air Command". Indianairforce.nic.in. Archived from the original on 14 August 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  4. ↑ "Arup Raha is new chief of staff". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Arup Raha takes over as senior Air Staff Officer at WAC". The Times of India. 2 April 2010. Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  6. ↑ "Air Marshal Arup Raha to be IAF Chief". 30 October 2013.
  7. ↑ Jayanta Gupta (26 January 2012). "Sainik School in Purulia turns 50, Air Marshal to be chief guest". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 November 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  8. ↑ "Air Marshal Arup Raha to take over as IAF Vice Chief". Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  9. ↑ "Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha's official profile". Archived from the original on 17 February 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  10. ↑ http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_exchief.php?pg_id=130&ch=24 [bare URL]
  11. ↑ "Indian Economic Service".
  12. ↑ "Aajkaal: Bengali News, Bangla News, Breaking News in Bengali".


Military offices
Preceded by
Bikram Singh 		Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee
31 July 2014 – 31 December 2016 		Succeeded by
Sunil Lanba
Preceded by
Norman Anil Kumar Browne 		Chief of the Air Staff (India)
31 December 2013 – 31 December 2016 		Succeeded by
Birender Singh Dhanoa
Preceded by
Norman Anil Kumar Browne 		Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)
1 July 2013 – 31 December 2013 		Succeeded by
Ravi Kant Sharma
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