LUCKNOW, Aug. 1 -- "By heart, he is a perfect Lucknowite. The moment his train entered the city, all his pain seemed to vanish. Lucknow was home. No matter where he was posted, he longed to return. He used to say, "We must give our best to take the nation forward. We are the world's oldest civilisation, and its future too," recalled Iqbal Kidwai, a childhood friend of Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh, who will take over as the next vice chief of the Army Staff on August 1. The announcement has filled Lucknow with pride, as one of its own ascends to one of the top positions in the Indian Army. Colonel Salim Durrani (Retd), a close friend and fellow officer, is travelling to Delhi to witness the ceremony. "We used to go to college on the same cycle. We studied at Lucknow University, appeared for the CDS exam together, got selected together, and joined the Indian Military Academy. We were neighbours in Mahanagar," he said. "I have seen him grow into the officer he is today. It is a journey rooted in commitment, discipline, and a deep love for the country." "He is a very fine officer, competent, hardworking, and above all, grounded. India is in very good hands," added Col Durrani. A decorated officer and recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Bar, Lt Gen PP Singh comes from a family with a military background. His father, Lt Col KN Pal Singh, served with distinction in the Army. A proud alumnus of La Martiniere College, Lucknow, he went on to graduate from the Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the elite 4 Para (Special Forces) in December 1987. Over nearly four decades of service, Lt Gen Singh has been part of several major military operations, including Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Operation Meghdoot in Siachen, Operation Rakshak in Jammu & Kashmir, and Operation Orchid in the Northeast. His international postings include UN Peacekeeping Missions in Lebanon and Sri Lanka, adding to his broad leadership and combat experience. In April 2022, he was appointed as the General Officer Commanding of the Rising Star Corps, headquartered in Yol cantonment, Himachal Pradesh. The corps plays a crucial role in safeguarding India's western front. While his career reflects dedication and excellence, it is his connection with Lucknow that continues to stand out. Friends from his early days remember him not just as a bright student, but also someone deeply committed to serving the nation from the start. "Pushpendra was always focused on the Indian Army. While the rest of us were still unsure, he had already made up his mind," Kidwai said, now a film producer....