Architect of Indian Navy’s 1971 victory Admiral Nanda passes away

 12.05.2009 06:23   b4uindia.com

Former Navy Chief Admiral Sardari Mathradas Nanda, who made the country realise the full potential of the Indian Navy during the Indo-Pak war of 1971, died in the capital after a prolonged illness.   Admiral Nanda was 94 and died at about 11 p.m. on Monday in Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj. He was cremated with full honours at the Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday   Condoling his death, Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta said: “In his passing, the nation has lost a hero and a visionary leader, who contributed significantly to the growth of the modern Indian Navy.”   “He will always be remembered in the most glowing terms for his leadership of the Indian Navy during the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971, in which the Indian Navy carved its name in golden letters in the annals of history by its sterling offensive actions,” he added.   Admiral Nanda assumed the charge of the Indian Navy as the sixth Chief of Naval Staff on February 28, 1970. Born in 1915, he joined the Royal Indian Naval Volunteer Reserve in October 1941. Prior to his joining the RINVR, he had served with Port Trust in Karachi.   In 1948, Admiral Nanda joined the Navy’s first cruiser INS Delhi in the United Kingdom as her First Lieutenant. He later commanded the destroyer, INS Ranjit, as well as a Frigate Squadron.   In 1957, Admiral Nanda commissioned the cruiser INS Mysore in the United Kingdom. He became the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS) in May 1962.   Admiral Nanda was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) for the distinguished service of a very high order in 1966.   He commanded the Indian Navy during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and steered it to a resounding victory.   The Indian Navy humbled their Pakistani counterparts, gaining complete control over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea during the war. Admiral Nanda retired in 1973 after completing over 31 years of exceptional service. (ANI)

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