Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda PVSM, AVSM |
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Admiral Nanda reviewing an honour guard at INS Adyar in 1972
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Born |
Punjab, British India |
10 October 1915
Died | 11 May 2009 New Delhi, India |
(aged 93)
Allegiance |
British India (1941-1947) India (from 1947) |
Service/branch | Indian Navy |
Years of service | 1941–1973 |
Rank | Admiral |
Commands held | |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
Padma Vibhushan Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal |
Other work | Author, "The Man Who Bombed Karachi" Member of the Board of Directors, Crown Corporation |
Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda, PVSM, AVSM (10 October 1915 – 11 May 2009) was a Four-Star Admiral of the Indian Navy who served as the 8th Chief of the Naval Staff from 1 March 1970 until 28 February 1973. He led the Indian Navy during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and successfully executed a naval blockade of both West and East Pakistan, helping India achieve an overwhelming victory during the war. He is one of the most notable commanders in the history of the Indian Navy.
Nanda was born on October 10, 1915 in Punjab. He was raised on Manora Island at the entrance to the Port of Karachi. He was the eldest of seven children. Prior to joining the navy, Nanda had worked for the Karachi Port Trust.
Nanda enlisted into the Royal Indian Navy Volunteer Reserve during World War II on 11 October 1941. He stayed in the Navy despite rapid, large-scale demobilization at the end of the war. After independence in 1947, he opted to join the Indian Navy. In 1948, he was appointed First Lieutenant on board INS Delhi (1948) under the command of Captain H.N.S Brown, with then Lieutenant Commander Ram Dass Katari as his Executive Officer.