New Delhi/Patna: Lt Gen (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, a former senior officer of the Indian Army known for his leadership in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, has been appointed as the new governor of Bihar.
The appointment was announced in a communiqué issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of a broader reshuffle of governors across several states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Ladakh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Hasnain served nearly four decades in the Indian Army and held several key command positions during his military career. He was commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in 1974 after graduating from the Indian Military Academy.
Military Career And Key Commands
During his service, Hasnain held a number of strategic assignments, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. One of his most prominent roles was as commander of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, also known as the Chinar Corps, which oversees military operations in the Kashmir Valley.
He later commanded the 21 Corps, one of the Indian Army’s major strike formations, and also served as military secretary at army headquarters before retiring from service in 2013.
His distinguished career earned him several high military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Sena Medal (SM).
Education And Strategic Training
Hasnain received his early education at Sherwood College in Nainital before pursuing higher studies at the University of Delhi. During his professional career he also attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London and the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, further strengthening his expertise in defence and strategic affairs.
Post-Retirement Roles
After retiring from the army, Hasnain remained active in academic and strategic initiatives. In 2018 he was appointed chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir, where he worked on strengthening higher education in the region.
He has also been a regular commentator on national security, defence policy and geopolitical developments.
