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New Delhi, july 1, 2026 — In a profoundly moving display of Indian values and military tradition, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Dhiraj Seth, captured the hearts of millions on Wednesday during his official assumption of command. Moments after receiving the grand, formal Guard of Honour in New Delhi as India’s 31st Army Chief, General Seth broke away from standard rigid protocols to pay ultimate homage to the man who shaped both his life and his career: his father, Lieutenant General Krishna Mohan Seth (Retired).
The heartwarming ceremony, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, beautifully illustrated the intersection of deep-rooted family values, cultural humility, and impeccable military discipline.
A Convergence of Protocol and Tradition
The morning began with high military pomp at South Block, where General Dhiraj Seth officially took over the mantle of the Indian Army. Standing tall in his decorated olive greens, he inspected the ceremonial guard with the poise expected of the commander of one of the world’s largest standing volunteer armies. However, the true highlight of the day occurred immediately after the formal inspection concluded.
Walking toward the enclosure where dignitaries and family members were gathered, General Seth approached his father, Lt Gen K.M. Seth—a highly distinguished veteran officer who had previously served the nation not only in uniform but also as the Governor of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tripura.
With crisp military precision, the new Army Chief brought his hand to his brow, delivering a flawless salute to his father, acknowledging the retired general’s decades of service to the nation. But what followed next transcended military rank. Lowering his posture, General Seth leaned down and touched his father’s feet—a traditional Indian gesture of Charan Sparsh, representing maximum respect, humility, and a plea for blessings before embarking on a monumental journey.
A Rare Family Milestone in Uniform
The emotional depth of the ceremony did not end there. In a remarkable testament to a family completely dedicated to the defense of the nation, General Seth’s younger brother, Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth of the Indian Navy, was also present.
Standing in his pristine white naval uniform, Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth stepped forward to salute his elder brother, acknowledging his historical elevation to the apex post of the Indian Army. The visual of a retired Lieutenant General father being saluted by his two sons—one the Chief of Army Staff and the other a Rear Admiral in the Navy—left several onlookers and military officials at the venue visibly emotional.
Lt Gen K.M. Seth (Retd), watching his son step into the very same office that commands the entire army, could be seen smiling with immense pride, firmly shaking hands with the new chief and pulling him close.
Echoing Values in the Modern Era
The viral footage has sparked widespread admiration across the country, with citizens, veteran officers, and public figures praising General Seth for maintaining his humility despite reaching the absolute peak of his profession.
By starting his tenure with an act of deep familial gratitude, General Dhiraj Seth has set an inspiring tone for his leadership. As he steps into his role as the 31st Chief of Army Staff, tasked with navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and modernizing India’s defense forces, this poignant moment stands as a powerful reminder that true strength is built on a foundation of respect and tradition.