Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita (AVSM,SM,VSM)- a worthy son of Assam assumed the appointment of Chief of Staff Eastern Command on Friday at Fort William, Kolkata. He is the first Assamese to reach the position.

Lieutenant General Kalita – an alumnus of Sainik School, Goalpara (SSG) in Assam and of National Defence Academy (NDA) was earlier awarded 'Sena Medal' and 'Vishisht Seva Medal'. He was also conferred with the prestigious 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' for his outstanding performance and service to the nation during his tenure as the General Officer Commanding of XIX Infantry Division at Baramulla in the aftermath of the 'fedayeen attack' in Uri in Kashmir valley.