Former Engineer-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Lieutenant General J.S. Dhaliwal (retd), passed away on Tuesday at the age of 83. He died at his residence in Chandigarh after a brief illness. His demise marks the end of an era for the Corps of Engineers, where he served with distinction for over three decades.
Career Highlights
Lt Gen Dhaliwal was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1962. He held several key positions, including command of the 107 Engineer Regiment and later as Chief Engineer of the Western Command. He served as Engineer-in-Chief from 1994 to 1996, overseeing major infrastructure projects and border fencing initiatives. His leadership was instrumental in developing military engineering capabilities during a critical period.
Awards and Recognition
For his exemplary service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). He was also a graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College. Colleagues remember him as a visionary leader who modernized the corps.
Personal Life and Legacy
Born in 1940 in Punjab, he is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. His funeral was held with full military honors at the Chandigarh crematorium. Many senior army officers and veterans attended to pay their respects. His contributions to the Indian Army's engineering infrastructure will be remembered for years to come.
