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Manoj Kumar Katiyar is an Indian three-star general of the Indian Army. He hit the headlines in July 2023 after he was appointed as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command of the Indian Army.
Wiki/Biography
Manoj Kumar Katiyar was born in India. After completing his schooling at Sainik School Ghorakhal in Uttarakhand, he joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, Maharashtra, where he underwent military training for three years. In 1985, he joined the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, where he completed his military training in June 1986. Katiyar obtained an MPhil degree in Defence & Management Studies at the National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi. Additionally, he acquired two master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, one from the United States Army War College (USAWC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and the other from the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Weight (approx.):Â 65 kg
Hair Colour:Â Salt and Pepper
Eye Colour:Â Dark Brown
Family
Parents & Siblings
There is not much information about his parents or siblings.
Wife & Children
His marital status is not known.
Career
Manoj Kumar Katiyar was commissioned into the Indian Army in June 1986 as a second lieutenant in the 23rd battalion of the Rajput Regiment. Thereafter, he was sent to the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, where he completed the Young Officer’s (YOs) course. As a major, he was appointed as a company commander of his battalion. As a colonel, Katiyar commanded his battalion in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir and Taksing, Arunachal Pradesh. Thereafter, he was posted at Wellington, where he served as an instructor at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC). After getting promoted to the rank of brigadier, Manoj Kumar Katiyar assumed the command of a Kashmir-based Infantry Brigade. Later, he was sent to Bhutan as an instructor with the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT). He has held the position of Brigadier General Staff (BGS) at the headquarters of both 3 Corps as well as Central Command. After getting promoted to major general, he served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Bareilly-based 6th Infantry Division. Thereafter, he was posted to the Army Headquarters in New Delhi as the Director General (DG) of Staff Duties. Later, he was posted at the Military Operations Directorate in New Delhi. From 5 April 2021 to 30 April 2022, Katiyar, as a lieutenant general, was posted as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s prestigious 1 Corps, also known as the Strike Corps. There, he replaced Lt Gen Codanda Poovaiah Cariappa as the GOC.
Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar accepting the baton of command of 1 Corps from Lt Gen C. P. Cariappa
In May 2022, he was appointed as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO); he remained in the post till June 2023.
A photo of Manoj Kumar Katiyar taken after he took over as the DGMO
On 1 July 2023, Manoj Kumar Katiyar was appointed as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Haryana-based Western Command; he replaced Lt Gen Nav Kumar Khanduri as the GOC.
A photo of Manoj Kumar Katiyar taken after he took over as the GOC-in-C of the Western Command
Military Decorations
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) (2021)
Manoj Kumar Katiyar receiving AVSM from the President of India
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
Salary
Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar’s salary as Indian Army’s Western Army Commander is Rs 80,000 + other allowances.