Ex-Navy Chief Admiral Ramdas Passes Away in Hyderabad

Defense News ,India :-  Former Navy Chief Admiral (retd) L. Ramdas died at a military hospital in Hyderabad. He was 90 years old and had been unwell due to his age. Ramdas had been admitted to the hospital on March 11 and passed away on Friday morning, according to his daughter Sagari R Ramdas.

"He came to live with me in Hyderabad about nine months ago because he wasn't feeling well," she told PTI.

His funeral will take place in Hyderabad on March 16, she said.

Admiral Ramdas is survived by his wife Lalita Ramdas and three daughters.

He became the 13th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) on November 30, 1990, and retired in 1993. After retirement, he settled in Alibag, Maharashtra.

Ramdas was born on September 5, 1933, in Matunga, Mumbai. He completed his early education in Delhi and joined the Armed Forces Academy in Dehradun in 1949. He became an officer of the Indian Navy in September 1953, specializing in communications.

During his service, he achieved many milestones, including establishing the Naval Academy in Cochin and commanding ships during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. He also served as the Indian Naval Attache in Bonn, West Germany, and held various command positions in the Eastern Naval Command.

He played a significant role in inducting women into the armed forces, particularly in the Navy, during his tenure as Chief of Naval Staff.

After retirement, Ramdas and his wife settled in Bhaimala village in Alibag, Maharashtra, where they practiced organic farming and engaged in various public service activities. They were involved in peace initiatives between India and Pakistan, anti-nuclear movements, and advocated for gender equality, farmer's rights, and minority rights.

Ramdas was known for his outspokenness on social issues and his advocacy for the values of the Indian Constitution, including liberty, equality, fraternity, and secularism.