General Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd)
Lieutenant General Bhopinder Singh’s life is defined by an extraordinary transition from defending the nation’s borders to healing its most vulnerable communities. Spanning an illustrious 45-year military career, his leadership culminated as the Director General of the Assam Rifles. His distinguished service in uniform earned him the nation’s highest peacetime military honors: the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Sena Medal (SM). Yet, his deepest legacy lies in the profound empathy that guided his transition from commander to compassionate changemaker.
While still in active service in Shillong, General Singh recognized a silent crisis, pioneering the military's first initiatives to address domestic violence and HIV support within the uniform. This laid the foundation for Maitri, a non-profit organization he co-founded alongside his wife, Winnie Singh. Upon hanging up his uniform, rather than choosing a quiet retirement, he chose a path far removed from military protocol, dedicating his strategic acumen entirely to grassroots humanitarian work.
Driven by a deep sense of social justice, General Singh immersed himself in uplifting marginalized migrant populations, specifically construction workers and rickshaw pullers. He led extensive advocacy and prevention programs for HIV and Tuberculosis, giving a voice to those often left invisible by society. Simultaneously, he stepped into the role of President at Aashirwad Old Age Home—the first private, non-profit home for middle-income seniors in Delhi—honoring a deeply personal request from his father-in-law to safeguard elderly dignity.
Perhaps his most moving chapter has been his unwavering partnership with his wife, Winnie, in their mission to restore identity, dignity, and respect to the abandoned, elderly widows of Vrindavan. Whether managing complex logistics or offering a comforting presence, General Singh applies the same dedication that once protected a nation to ensuring that society’s most forgotten individuals feel seen, safe, and valued. He stands as a rare exemplar of leadership, proving that true valor lies in a lifetime of service to humanity.
