Article Posted on : - May 13, 2009

File Photo of former Naval Chief S M Nanda

NEW DELHI (BNS): Former Navy chief Admiral Sardari Mathradas Nanda a veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pak war hero and former naval chief died at a hospital late on Monday.

Nanda (93), who was admitted to a city-based hospital on Sunday morning with complaints of fever and breathlessness, breathed his last around 2300 hours.

Nanda, who was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) for his distinguished service, was appointed the Chief of Naval Staff on March 1, 1970. He retired in 1973.

He was cremated at Delhi Cantt with full military honours in presence of senior armed forces officers, including Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta.

His legendary command of the navy during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and his success in steering it to a resounding victory is the high-water mark of the modern Indian Navy.

Terming Nanda's death as a loss to the nation, the Navy Chief said, "In his passing, the nation has lost a hero and a visionary leader, who contributed 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 Navy carved its name in golden letters in the annals of history by its sterling offensive actions," he added.