Gopal Krishna Trivedi

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He was one of the most distinguished soldier of the Indian Army.

[edit] Family and Background

Gopal Krishna Trivedi was born in an affluent Saraswat Brahmin family of traditional zamindars in Amroha. He was the eldest son of Maj. Dr. Vidya Sagar Trivedi. His childhood name was Shashi.

[edit] Army Service

He was commissioned in the Grenadiers Regiment of Indian Army. In the 1965 was with Pakistan he was posted at the Chinese frontier to keep the Chinese in check . In the 1971 war with Pakistan. For his contribution and ememplery bravery he was awarded Vir Chakra, where he repulsed Pakistani armour advance and was instrumental in winning for the brigade 'Battle Honour Chakra'. He was more popular among troops than any other Commander because of his tenacity and dare-devilry. He was confident of victory even before the orders to move came. When orders for movement came he was reported to have been purchasing scotch by cases to celebrate his victory.

Though optional he opted for parachute and commando courses and received alpha gradings in both. For this the army at first denied him entry in the course but them gave him permission provided he give an undertaking that in case of his death resulting from a parachute jump related incident his death will not be contested by his family. This he did very next day. His experiences created a healthy example for the Army and both courses were made compulsory for officers.

In 1980's he was awarded V.S.M. for his role in Manipur.

He was military attache to Indian Embassy in Thailand and Bangladesh. He was advisor to Indian Army with Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka.

[edit] Retirement

After retirement he worked ceaselessly for national integration and labour reforms relating to ex-soldiers. Towards that end he started Bharat Suraksha evam Sewain, a non profit company, which he wound up later due to failing health. He died of Heart failure in Bhopal, where he had chosen to stay after his retirement from services. He was survived by daughters, one of whom is now a doyen of Education and serving as Reader in the University of Lucknow.