General Arun Sridhar Vaidya was born in 1922 in Alibag. After independence he was posted as the 7th commander of the 9 Horse, which is one of the oldest battle-tested regiments of the Indian Army.He was the Lieutenant Colonel of this Regiment during the battle of Asal Uttar and cheema against Pakistan in 1965.He showed praiseworthy leadership in this battle. For his exceptional courageousness he was bestowed with the Maha Vir Chakra (India`s second highest medal for gallantry).

In 1971 war against Pakistan General Arun Sridhar Vaidya commanded the 2nd armoured Brigade in the Zafarwal sector on the western front. In this battle he led his troop aggressively. In the hostile field battle of Chakra and Dahira that were combined with minefields he carried out the fight against Pakistan army bravely. In the battle of Sakhagarh during this war he also showed professional acumen and extraordinary leadership. General Arun Sridhar Vaidya counter attacked the strong enemy and managed to destroy 62 tanks of Pakistan army. For his indomitable courage he got the second Maha Vir Chakra after this war.

General Arun Sridhar Vaidya assumed charge of the Indian Army, as the 13th Chief of Army Staff, on 31 July 1983. In 1984 General Arun Sridhar Vaidya was the main brain behind Operation Bluestar. It was the contentious military attack against the militant of Khalisthan movement. The general described the operation as the "most difficult and painful" decision of his career. He took retirement on 31 January 1986 after completing distinguished 40 years of military service. Khalisthan separatists gunned him down on 10 August 1986, in vengeance for the Indian Army`s attack on the Golden Temple. He was posthumously conferred with the Padma Vibhushan - India`s second highest civilian honour for his indefatigable service to the nation. General Arun Sridhar Vaidya was also awarded the Ati Visist Seva Medal during his tenure.