Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas
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- Category: Chiefs of Naval Staff
- Published: Thursday, 30 October 2008 00:00
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Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas
PVSM, AVSM, VrC, VSM, ADC
CNS, 30 Nov 1990 - 30 Sep 1993
Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas assumed charge of the Indian Navy, as the 13th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), on 30 November 1990. Born on 05 September 1933, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 September 1953 after training at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England.
A Communication Specialist, Admiral Ramdas underwent Royal Naval Staff College at England and as a Commander he established and commanded the Naval Academy at Cochin where he distinguished himself for which he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). During the 1971 Indo-Pak Operations, whilst in command of INS Beas, Admiral Ramdas took part in the most effective naval blockade of East Pakistan (Bangladesh) which frustrated Pakistan's attempt to evacuate 91,000 of their troops who eventually surrendered to the Indian Forces.
INS Beas also captured a large number of ships carrying contraband to East Pakistan, bombarded Cox Bazar and took part in the landing and other operations in an area infested with mines and submarines. For his resolute, bold, gallant and imaginative action in the face of great danger, he was decorated with the Vir Chakra. He later commanded a Patrol Vessel Squadron in the Indian Navy.
Admiral Ramdas served as Naval Attaché in Germany for three years. He held the appointments of Director of Personnel, Director of Naval Signals and Director of Naval Operations at the Naval HQ. Other notable appointments he held were Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DNCS) and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.
Prior to taking over as Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Ramdas was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command which he held since February 1989. A distinguished sportsman, an enthusiast of sailing and adventure activities, he promoted sports and adventure activities in the Navy to a great extent. He is a recipient of Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) in addition to the Vir Chakra (VrC) and the Vishist Seva Medal (VSM). Married to Lalita Ramdas since 19 October 1961, he has three daughters and three grandchildren. His interests include history, golf, cricket and yachting.