Nagpur: Another feather to the achievement cap of Nagpur is added after Lt. Gen Manoj Pande, a Nagpurian, has taken over the charge of Chief of Staff at Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, from Lt Gen R J Noronha, PVSM, AVSM**, SM, ADC. A decorated officer, Lt Gen Pande commanded a Mountain Division in high-altitude area, and also tenanted the coveted appointment of Additional Director General in Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters.
An officer decorated with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Lt Gen Manoj Pande is son of C G Pande, Consulting Psychotherapist and retired Head of the Department of Psychology, Nagpur University, and late Prema Pande, who was a popular announcer and host with All India Radio. Though a decorated officer, Lt Gen Manoj Pande stays away from media glare.
Lt Gen Manoj Pande’s youngest brother Sanket also was in the Indian Army and retired as a Colonel. He now stays in Pune. The General Officer’s younger brother Ketan and his wife are in Brunei. Lt Gen Pande’s wife Archana is a home-maker.
