Mysore/Mysuru: Rich tributes were paid by Military Veterans Welfare Association to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others, who died in the chopper crash in Tamil Nadu. The condolence event was held in front of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s statue on JLB Road-Hunsur Road junction yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Association Secretary and ex-serviceman Purushotham said that CDS Bipin Rawat, after becoming the Chief of the three Armed Forces, had brought a lot of changes in Army, Navy and Air Force.

Pointing out that the CDS was instrumental in procuring latest guns and bullet-proof jackets which was distributed to the Soldiers serving in nation’s borders, Purushotham said that the CDS had even distributed latest equipment for soldiers serving in cold regions besides stating that CDS Bipin Rawat played an important role in building a strong Military force in the world. Stating that CDS Bipin Rawat was a terror for enemies of neighbouring countries, Purushotham said that with the death of Bipin Rawat and 12 others in the helicopter crash, the country had lost great patriots.

Association President Sridhar, Vice-President Shenoy, Treasurer M.C. Balasubramanya, Joint Secretary Ravikumar, Executive Committee members Vinod Kumar Adappa, P. Lakshman, K.B. Nanaiah, P.K. Biddappa, Syed Nizamuddin, Ganapathirao, Anand Iyer, Venkatesh, Nagesh and others were present.