Field Marshal KM Cariappa Chair

Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa (1899–1993) was a distinguished Indian military leader and the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Indian Army during its formative years post-independence. Cariappa was known for his professionalism, discipline, and unwavering dedication to national security. Commissioned into the British Indian Army in 1919, Cariappa served with distinction in various capacities during World War II. After India's independence, he was appointed as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, becoming the first Indian to hold the position, succeeding General Sir Roy Bucher. Cariappa's leadership during the critical period of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948 was instrumental in defending Kashmir. In recognition of his contributions, Cariappa was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal in 1986, becoming one of only two officers in Indian history to hold the title. Known for his vision and emphasis on secularism and discipline in the armed forces, he remains a revered figure in Indian military history, symbolizing courage, leadership, and service to the nation.

In the year 1995 the USI Centre for Research (USICR) was established and the Army Headquarters decided to establish a Chair in the name of Field Marshal KM Cariappa. The Chair commenced in the year 1997 and the first Chair was allotted to Lt Gen VK Nayar, PVSM, SM (Retd) who researched on the topic ‘Emerging Low Intensity Conflict Scenario in India’.

Current Allottee: Lt Gen Shokin Chauhan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM (Retd) former Director General Assam Rifles

Topic: Leveraging North East’s Soft Power for Enhancing Peace and Stability and furthering India’s Act East Policy.

 Lt Gen Shokin Chauhan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, PhD (Retd)

Lt Gen Shokin Chauhan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM (Retd) is a distinguished military officer with a rich academic and professional background. He began his military journey in December 1979 when he was commissioned into the Indian Army as part of the 11 Gorkha Rifles. Over the years, he held key positions, including GOC 1 Corps, GOC 8 Mountain Division in Western Ladakh, DG of Assam Rifles, the country's oldest Para Military Force, and Chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG). As Chairman CFMG, he revitalized the peace process in the insurgency-prone North East of India. He also served as the Defence Attaché in the Indian Embassy in Nepal from 2004 to 2007, Lt Gen Chauhan's academic achievements include a PhD, and his research on "Strategic Relations with Nepal in the 21st Century" reflects his commitment to international relations. Lt Gen Chauhan continues to contribute significantly to India's national security and international relations