On 3rd October 2024, the Maritime History Society (MHS) organized a special lecture as part of its Monsoon Musings series, focusing on the life and achievements of Vice Admiral RKS Ghandhi. MHS, an initiative of the Western Naval Command founded in 1978, is dedicated to promoting India’s maritime heritage.
Vice Admiral Ghandhi had a remarkable naval career, serving in World War II and as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Lord Louis Mountbatten. He commanded ships in all of India’s post-independence naval wars and conflicts, including the 1971 war, and held the prestigious position of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command from 1977 to 1979. After retiring, he became Chairman of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and later served as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh in 1986. True to his love for the sea, he was given a burial at sea, as per his final wishes.
The panel for the event included Ms. Delna Ghandhi, his daughter; Vice Admiral Krishna Raina, AVSM (Retd); Vice Admiral AK Chopra, PVSM, AVSM (Retd); and Shri Kamal Kant Kothari, a former Executive Assistant at SCI. They discussed the personal and professional aspects of Vice Admiral Ghandhi’s life, highlighting his leadership, strategic vision, and contributions to both the Indian Navy and SCI. The panel was moderated by Commodore Srikant B Kesnur, VSM, PhD (Retd).
Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, AVSM, NM, the current Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, was the Chief Guest and honored the speakers. The full recording of the event will be available on the Maritime History Society’s social media platforms.
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