Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas, a revered figure in the Indian Navy, passed away at the age of 91. He was known for his exceptional courage, conviction, and contributions to the nation. Let us delve into the life and accomplishments of this war hero who left an indelible mark on the Indian Navy.

Early Life and Commissioning:

Born on September 5, 1933, in Matunga, Mumbai, Admiral Ramdas joined the Navy in September 1953 after receiving training in communications. His dedication and commitment to his profession propelled him to great heights.

Establishing the Naval Academy and Breaking Barriers:

Admiral Ramdas played a pivotal role in establishing the Naval Academy in Cochin, a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's history. However, one of his most noteworthy achievements was the induction of women into the Navy for the first time during his tenure as the 13th Chief of Naval Staff between 1990 and 1993.

Gallantry and Bravery During the 1971 War:

Admiral Ramdas showcased immense bravery during the 1971 war, commanding INS Beas. For his exceptional valor and leadership, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, the country's third-highest gallantry award. His command of INS Beas played a crucial role in the blockade of East Pakistan, contributing significantly to India's victory.

Notable Naval Commands and Diplomatic Assignments:

Throughout his illustrious career, Admiral Ramdas held various distinguished positions. He served as the Fleet Commander of the Eastern Naval Command and commanded both the Southern and Eastern Naval Commands. Additionally, he served as the Indian Naval Attaché in Bonn, West Germany, from 1973 to 1976, further strengthening diplomatic ties.

Advocacy for Peace and Nuclear Restraint:

Despite his war achievements, Admiral Ramdas was a strong advocate for nuclear restraint, disarmament, and peace talks with Pakistan. His belief in peaceful resolutions earned him the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay award in 2004 for advocating peace between India and Pakistan through the NGO Pakistan-India Peoples Forum.

Legacy and Political Involvement:

Admiral Ramdas remained an influential figure even after his retirement. He expressed dissent on various social and political issues, speaking his mind without succumbing to political pressures. He joined politics in a significant manner, aligning with the anti-corruption movement and later the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). However, his political journey was short-lived, marked by his sudden removal as internal Lokpal by AAP in 2015.

A Visionary Leader and Innovator:

Admiral Ramdas was known for his visionary ideas and innovative thinking. In the early 1990s, he envisioned the concept of an 'Indian Ocean panchayat' ahead of its time. This concept later evolved into multinational naval exercises like Milan and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), fostering cooperation and unity among naval forces.