Last rites of Goan-origin ex-army chief Gen SF Rodrigues to be held today

General Sunith Francis Rodrigues (Retd) passed away at a private hospital on the outskirts of Panjim, Goa, on Friday, March 4, 2022. He was 88.

General SF Rodrigues headed the Indian Army from 1990 to 1993, and served as the 26^th Governor of Punjab from 2004 and 2010.

He had an illustrious military career in the Regiment of Artillery for over four decades, and was an integral part of the Sino-Indian War (1962), the Indo-Pakistan War (1965) and the Indo-Pak War (1971).

In recognition of his services beyond the call of duty, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.

In 1991, he played an instrumental role in inducting women in the serving area of the Army.

Rodrigues, whose roots can be traced to Curtorim, Salcete, spent his post-retirement years in Goa.

Last respects will be held at 12.30 pm on March 7, 2022, followed by a Eucharistic celebration and funeral service at 1 pm at Holy Family Church, Porvorim.

A ceremonial military farewell, followed by cremation at Moksh, St Inez, Panjim, will be held at 4 pm.