Cyrus Addie Pithawalla

Early life and education Pithawalla was born in Bengaluru on 13 January 1957 and was educated at the Air Force School, Delhi. He subsequently attended the Delhi University. After graduating with degrees in commerce, he joined the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.

Career Pithawalla was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on a short-service commission into the 17th battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on 1 September 1979. On 1 September 1984, he received a regular commission as a lieutenant. As a major general, he was posted as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Andhra Sub Area.

In his 35-year career, he held various instructional, staff and command positions across India. In addition to this, he served as a Military observer in Cambodia as part of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia mission. He also served as the Deputy Commander of an Infantry Brigade Group in the UN Mission at the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ashoka Chakra Pithawalla was awarded the Ashok Chakra in 1981 for a counter-insurgency operation in Manipur. His Ashok Chakra Citation reads as follows:

Awards and decorations

Dates of rank