Maj Gen Cyrus Addie Pithawalla (retd) [Ashoka Chakra (AC)] and Subedar Major Shivaji Krishna Ghadge (Shaurya Chakra), two living legends from the Indian Army, were honored by the Indian Railways, Devlali, Bhusaval Division, Maharashtra. The Railways dedicated a locomotive to each of them to commemorate their bravery and service. Pithawalla was awarded the AC, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award for valor during a high-risk counter-insurgency operation in Tekcham, Manipur, while Ghadge had led a daring ambush, eliminating five terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Maj Gen Cyrus Pithawalla (retd), and train named after him
The locomotives were flagged off by Lt Gen Navneet Singh Sarna, Commandant, Regiment of Artillery, Nasik and Bhusaval’s Divisional Railway Manager Iti Pandey. The latter said, "The two warriors demonstrated extraordinary valor, leadership and dedication in defending the motherland.”
The initiative is part of the Railways’ efforts to recognize and celebrate the contributions of India’s military heroes. "I am especially delighted as my grandfather was in the Railways,” said Pithawalla about this gesture by the Indian Railways.
Born on January 13, 1957 in Bangalore, Pithawalla was educated at the Air Force School, Delhi, and later attended Delhi University. He joined the Officers Training Academy in Madras after earning degrees in commerce. In 1981, as a second lieutenant in the 17 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, despite being shot, he captured alive a top insurgent in Manipur. Pithawalla has the distinction of being the first AC awardee to attain the rank of Major General in the Indian Army. Even after retirement, he is invited to and takes part every year in the Republic Day Parade in Delhi, proudly wearing his uniform and medals. Beyniaz Edulji