<span style="color: #222222;">Members of Parliament in Rajya Sabha today expressed profound sorrow on the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat. General Rawat, his wife and 11 soldiers lost their lives in the air crash yesterday.<br />''<br />''When the house met at 11 A.M. this morning, Deputy Chairman Harivash said, the country has lost an exceptional soldier. He said, General Rawat was commissioned on 16th December in 1978 into the Fifth Battalion of the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles. He said, General Rawat had a vast operational experience and served on various frontiers during his four decade service in the army. He said, Bipin Rawat had also commanded a Multi-national Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo.<br />''<br />''Remembering the contribution made by General Rawat, Mr. Harivansh said, he brought transformative reforms in the security architecture of the country. He said, General Rawat was appointed the Vice Chief of the Army Staff before assuming office of Chief of the Army Staff and he was the first Chief of Defence Staff. Deputy Chairman said, General Rawat was awarded several gallantry and distinguished service awards during his service in the Army. Members of Parliament in Rajya Sabha observed two minute silence and prayed for the departed souls.</span><br />