Meet Proud Father Pipped by His Two Army Officer Daughters
As Lt Gen DP Singh continues his journey as the Commandant of MINTSD and his daughters continue serving the country in their respective roles, the family’s story will remain an enduring symbol of pride, patriotism, and the unstoppable rise of women in uniform.
In a rare and deeply emotional moment that captured admiration across the country, Lieutenant General DP Singh witnessed one of the proudest milestones of his military career when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as the Commandant of the Military Intelligence Training School and Depot (MINTSD), Pune. What made the occasion truly extraordinary was that his new three-star rank insignia was pinned onto his uniform by his two daughters — both serving Majors in the Indian Army.
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The heartwarming ceremony, held in November 2024, quickly became a symbol of pride, legacy, and the growing strength of women in uniform. For Lt Gen Singh, it was not merely a promotion ceremony but the fulfilment of a father’s dream — watching his daughters follow the same path of service and stand beside him as fellow Army officers.
A Rare and Emotional Pipping Ceremony
The tradition of “pipping” is one of the most cherished customs in the armed forces. During promotions, rank badges are pinned onto the officer’s shoulders by close family members, mentors, or fellow officers. It represents not only professional achievement but also the sacrifices, support, and shared journey behind every military career.
For Lt Gen DP Singh, the moment became unforgettable as his daughters, dressed in Army uniform and serving proudly as Majors, pinned the Lieutenant General insignia onto their father’s shoulders. The image of the decorated Sikh General standing proudly beside his daughters soon went viral across social media and military circles.
The Indian Army’s Army Training Command (ARTRAC) described the occasion as “rare and inspiring,” highlighting how it reflected the strength of military families and the spirit of “Nari Shakti” within the armed forces. The ceremony resonated with countless Indians because it represented not only military excellence but also the emotional bond between a father and his daughters.
Lt Gen DP Singh’s Distinguished Career
Although detailed public information regarding Lt Gen DP Singh’s early service profile remains limited, his rise to the rank of Lieutenant General itself speaks volumes about his dedication, professionalism, and leadership over decades of military service.
The rank of Lieutenant General is among the highest operational ranks in the Indian Army and is reserved for officers who have demonstrated exceptional strategic capability, operational competence, and leadership. Lt Gen Singh’s appointment as the Commandant of the Military Intelligence Training School and Depot (MINTSD), Pune, further underlines his expertise in military intelligence and officer training.
MINTSD is regarded as the alma mater of the Military Intelligence Corps and plays a critical role in preparing intelligence officers for complex modern warfare challenges, including strategic intelligence gathering, surveillance, counter-intelligence, cyber operations, and national security planning.
Lt Gen Singh also holds the Sena Medal (SM), awarded for distinguished service and devotion to duty. Taking over from Lieutenant General Pradeep Kumar Chahal, AVSM, his appointment marked another significant chapter in a long and decorated military career.
The Daughters Carrying Forward the Legacy
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the ceremony was the presence of Lt Gen Singh’s daughters as accomplished Army officers in their own right.
Both daughters currently serve as Majors in the Indian Army — a rank achieved after years of rigorous training, operational experience, and leadership responsibilities. One daughter serves in the Intelligence Corps, while the other serves in the Army Medical Corps.
Their careers reflect the changing face of the Indian Armed Forces, where women today are taking on increasingly critical and demanding roles across various branches of the military.
The daughter serving in the Intelligence Corps is part of one of the Army’s most specialised branches, responsible for collecting, analysing, and processing strategic information vital for military operations and national security. Officers in this field require analytical excellence, operational understanding, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.
Meanwhile, the daughter serving in the Army Medical Corps contributes to one of the most essential pillars of military readiness — healthcare support for soldiers. AMC officers often work under difficult and challenging conditions, including operational areas and conflict zones, ensuring the physical well-being of troops.
Together, the sisters represent the modern Indian military woman — capable, professional, disciplined, and ready to lead.
A Symbol of Nari Shakti in Uniform
The pipping ceremony became more than just a family milestone. It emerged as a powerful symbol of the rise of women in India’s armed forces.
Over the past decade, the Indian military has witnessed significant progress in expanding opportunities for women. From fighter pilots and engineers to intelligence officers and commanding officers, women are steadily breaking barriers and taking on leadership positions that were once inaccessible.
The story of Lt Gen DP Singh and his daughters perfectly reflects this transformation.
The Army Training Command highlighted this sentiment in its public message, stating that the moment reflected the “strength, dedication, and legacy carried forward by women in uniform.” The ceremony also reinforced the broader national message of “Nari Shakti” — empowering women to lead and excel in every sphere of life.
For young girls across India dreaming of serving the nation, the image of two Army Majors pipping their Lieutenant General father became a source of immense inspiration.
A Father’s Dream Fulfilled
For every parent, few moments compare to seeing their children succeed in life. For Lt Gen DP Singh, that joy was magnified by the fact that his daughters chose to dedicate their lives to the same uniform he served for decades.
The emotional significance of the moment touched thousands online. Social media users described it as “heartwarming,” “historic,” and “a proud moment for every Indian.”
One widely shared reaction simply stated: “The father must be more proud that his daughters are in the Army.”
Indeed, the ceremony was not just about rank insignia or promotions. It represented years of shared sacrifice, discipline, values, and commitment to national service. It showed how military traditions and patriotism can transcend generations within a family.
The Legacy of a Fauj Family
The Singh family’s story also resonates strongly with the proud martial traditions of the Sikh community, which has contributed immensely to the Indian Armed Forces for generations.
For many observers, the image of Lt Gen DP Singh standing proudly alongside his daughters symbolised the true spirit of a “fauj family” — one where service to the nation is not merely a profession but a way of life.
The ceremony became a living portrait of honour, sacrifice, and continuity. It reflected how military values such as courage, integrity, discipline, and selfless service are often nurtured within families and passed down through generations.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the emotional impact, the story has become an inspiration for aspiring officers and young Indians across the country.
It demonstrates that the Indian Armed Forces continue to evolve into a more inclusive institution where merit, dedication, and professionalism define success regardless of gender.
For parents, the story serves as a reminder to encourage and support the dreams of their children. For young women, it reinforces the idea that leadership opportunities in the armed forces are expanding rapidly. And for the nation, it stands as a celebration of military families who quietly dedicate their lives to service.
The pipping ceremony of Lt Gen DP Singh by his two Army officer daughters is far more than a touching family photograph. It is a story of dreams fulfilled, traditions carried forward, and barriers broken.
It reflects the changing face of the Indian Armed Forces, where daughters are not only following in their fathers’ footsteps but standing shoulder to shoulder with them in service to the nation.
As Lt Gen DP Singh continues his journey as the Commandant of MINTSD and his daughters continue serving the country in their respective roles, the family’s story will remain an enduring symbol of pride, patriotism, and the unstoppable rise of women in uniform.
Their story reminds us that when daughters pin stars onto their father’s shoulders, they are not only honouring his achievements — they are shaping the future of India itself.
