Page 324 - Leadership in the Indian Army

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L IEUTENANT G ENERAL S.K. S INHA ,

PVSM

The Soldier–Statesman

S.K. Sinha is unique among our military leaders, in that while he was well
known in the army during his service, most of his countrymen came to

know of him only after his retirement. He had all the credentials to reach
the top, but missed doing so by a hair’s breadth. In 1983, as the Vice Chief
of Army Staff, he resigned when his junior A.S. Vaidya was appointed the
Army Chief, leading to an uproar in Parliament and the press. Though his
career ended in a blaze of controversy, Sinha had always avoided discord,
preferring to live by the book. He was known as an upright soldier who did
his job without fear or favour. He did not win any battles or gallantry

awards, but his achievements, insofar as they affected the Indian Army, are
not small. Few will forget his contribution to the well-being of the soldier
by improving his living conditions, salary and allowances. His forceful
arguments before the Pay Commission in 1971 are still remembered, and
became a model for subsequent presentations by the armed forces. His
contribution to military history is also considerable. He is a prolific writer,

and his books and articles on military matters have earned him esteem and
recognition from soldiers as well as civilians. He was also a successful
diplomat, and was responsible for improving relations between India and
Nepal while he was the Indian Ambassador in Kathmandu.
S.K. Sinha was born on 7 January 1926 at Gaya in Bihar, in the home of
his mother’s parents. His father, M.K. Sinha, who was in the police, rose to
the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bihar State, an office he

held for 11 years, from 1949 to 1960. M.K. Sinha’s father, A.K. Sinha, had
also been IGP of Bihar, and the first Indian to reach the top police
appointment. Sinha lost his mother when he was just four years old, and
spent most of his childhood with his grandparents. He began his schooling