Raj Dutta: August 2025

Sunday, 10 August 2025

23RD ADM SOMAN MEMORIAL LECTURE

Memorial lecture quotes often focus on remembrance, legacy, and impact of the individual being honoured. They highlight the person's achievements, character, or the lessons they taught. Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter has been conducting the Late Admiral BS Soman Memorial Lecture for the past 23 yrs. Eminent Speakers from across spectrum are invited to speak on a topic of interest. In the past famous personalities as Ms Shobha De, Mr Rahul Bose, Mr Bharat Dabholkar, Mr Kabir Bedi, Mr Ananth Mahadevan, VAdm Girish Luthra and VAdm Shekhar Sinha and VAdm Abhay Karve have been invited for the talk and later interact with Veterans and Veer Naris.

This years the HQWNC had instructed Director MHS to combine the Monsoon Musings Lecture-II with Adm Soman Memorial Lecture, in coordination with NFMC. The Lecture was planned for 06 Aug 2025 and eminent speaker Cmde G Prakash, NM (Retd) was invited to speak on ‘The Maritime Legacy of Kunjali Marakkars: Defenders of Malabar Coast’.

The 23rd Adm Soman Lecture was conducted at 1615 hrs on 06 Aug 2025 in Agastya Auditorium, INHS Asvini, Colaba. VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, FOC-in-C (West) had been invited as the Chief Guest. About 240 Navy personnel, serving as well as retired were invited. All Flag Officers, COs and OICs had also been invited. The Veterans who attended included VAdm IC Rao, PVSM, AVSM, Capt Raj Mohindra (Founder Secy NFMC and later its President for 9 yrs), Cmde PL Patwardhan, Cmde Srikant Kesnur, VSM, Surg Capt & Mrs KM Shah, Cdr GVK Unnithan, Cdr KK Sharma, Col Vijay Kumar, besides the NFMC Committee members and their ladies. Mrs Nishi Kumar (Wife of Cmde Ramesh Kumar), who is a Professor in St Xaviers College of Edu escorted 10 of her students for the Lecture.

On arrival of the Chief Guest, Ms Madura MHS Research Associate welcomed all present and invited Capt Rajinder Dutta, Secy NFMC to introduce the Guest Speaker. Secy NFMC at the outset welcomed all the Veterans and ran through the presentation signifying the importance of organising the Adm Soman Memorial lecture every year. He then introduced the Speaker Cmde G Prakash, NM, before welcoming him on stage. For next about 40 mins Cmde Prakash engaged the Audience in his engrossing talk . He made the talk interesting by relating to some interesting anecdotes of Kunjali Marakkars Vs Portugese ships, which kept the interest of the Audience alive.

BIO-DATA – COMMODORE G PRAKASH, NM (Retd)

Commodore G Prakash joined NDA, Khadakwasla in Jan 1981 and was commissioned on 01 Jul 1985. He qualified the Naval Air Operations course in 1988 and flew Seaking Mk 42B helicopters. In 1992 he also specialised in Anti Submarine Warfare.

His command appointments have been CO Ajay, CO Taragiri, TS 1, CO Tir, CO Dega, CO Mandovi, CO Venduruthy and XO Godavari. As CO Taragiri he pioneered afloat UAV operations and also did extensive Tsunami relief work in 2005 at Galle, Sri Lanka. He has also been Director, Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi.

He has served twice at NHQ. First as Jt Director at DNAS, responsible for Aviation Perspective Plan, Capital Budget and NSQRs and later as Jt Director Strategy, Concepts and Transformation. He has also served at all the three Command Headquarters, as SO to C-in-C at HQSNC and HQWNC and as CAVO at HQENC.

He is an alumnus of DSSC Wellington and the Naval War College. Academically, he is M.Sc (Defence Studies) from Chennai University and M.Phil (Strategic Studies) from Mumbai University.

He has been lecturing on several topics for over 25 years, and has lectured at the National Defence College, New Delhi, the Naval War College at Goa, The College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, The College of Air Warfare at Hyderabad, CENJOWS Delhi, DSSC Wellington, the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi, at various Colleges in India and at various national and international seminars. He has also been writing on a variety of topics.

He was awarded the Nao Sena Medal on 26 Jan 2018. After superannuation in Dec 2019, for two years he was the Vice President and Head of Operations in Odisha, for a Multinational Company producing thermal power and ferro alloys. Currently he is the CEO of a Production House at Bangalore, Advisor to a Defence Technology Company that produces Drones and also Distinguished Senior Fellow at Defence Research and Studies (DRaS) a Kochi based Think Tank.

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The Gist of the Talk : The Kunjali Marakkars were the traditional naval commanders or traditional Admirals of the Zamorins of Calicut in the 16th century. Originally from Cochin, the Kunjalis were Moplah marine merchants who moved to Ponnani when the Portuguese fortified the port of Cochin. The Marakkars offered their naval fleet to the Zamorin of Calicut. The admiralty was passed down through four generations, and the Kunjalis mounted a relentless, century-long naval campaign to protect the Malabar coast from the grasp of Portuguese colonisation. The House of Kunjalis became the pinnacle of resistance against Portuguese rule at sea on the Western Coast at the time. They leveraged strong regional ties to devise military strategies, build powerful fleets, and created innovative tactics like armed convoys and maritime blockades. With the Kunjalis at the helm, the Malabar sailors managed to navigate a convoy of cargo ships towards the Red Sea. They executed a sector attack, surprising their opponents by charging from different sides. By relying on hit-and-run tactics rather than direct assault, they proved the effectiveness of flexibility in countering larger vessels, which led to the deployment of naval forces to maintain authority over the region. The tale of the Kunjali Marakkars underscores an essential historical truth: the freedom of the seas is the foundation of land sovereignty. They are often hailed as trailblazers in the fight against colonial oppression.

The Qs-Ans session was as gripping and fascinating as Cmde G Prakash’s remarkable elocution. It was reflective of the interest and impact created by the Speaker. After the talk Ms Madura invited C-in-C and President NFMC to felicitate the Speaker. Cdr Vadhera presented the NFMC memento of the Golden Sail boat to Cmde G Prakash, While the C-in-C presented him the WNC memento. Cmde Ashish Khanna then delivered the Vote of Thanks and requested the Audience to proceed to the Foyer outside for High Tea.

The efficacious culmination 23rd Soman Memorial Lecture was yet again a bright feather in our NFMC’s and MHS’s Hats.

Sam No Varunah

Jai Hind !!

(PS - PHOTO & VIDEO COURTESY Ms MEENA DUTTA)

PHOTOS

THE STANDEE

OUR GUEST SPEAKER- VETERAN CMDE G PRAKASH

ANAHITA FLANKED BY PRESIDENT

& TREASURER NFMC

RAJ, GUEST SPEAKER & CDR VADHERA

PRESIDENT NFMC WELCOMES DGNP

CINC MEETS CDR DINESH RAI

CAPT RAJ DUTTA INTRODUCES GUEST SPEAKER

CMDE G PRAKASH ENTHRALS AUDIENCE

THE AUDIENCE

PRESIDENT NFMC PRESNTS MEMENTO TO GUEST SPEAKER

CINC PRESENTS MEMENTO TO GUEST SPEAKER

VOTE OF THANKS BY CMDE ASHISH KHANNA, DIR MHS

HIGH TEA SNAPS

👇👇👇

ST XAVIERS STUDENTS

CMS GROUP PHOTO

MRS NISHI KUMAR & STUDENTS WITH GUEST SPEAKER

CDR UNNITHAN AT MHS STALL

RAJ WITH CMDE PL PATAWARDHAN

DR KANTA & MEENA WITH

SURG CAPT & MRS KM SHAH

ST XAVIERS STUDENTS

NFMC CORE GROUP WITH CINC

PROF NISHI WITH STUDENTS

CDR NEVIL, CMDE PRAKASH & CMDE KESNUR

EVER SMILING DR KANTA MUKHERJEE

CMDE G PRAKASH & MEENA DUTTA

VIDEO

(Double click & Finger zoom)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3OIaPeZOPs&ab_channel=MeenaDutta

Saturday, 9 August 2025

NONAGENARIAN CDR HK NAG - AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN

· "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - 7 Day Home Care.

· Despite their deepest regrets, the elders still laugh like crazy, fall madly in love and fiercely pursue happiness.

· Quotes often attributed to or about nonagenarians focus on aspects of life reflecting longevity, accumulated wisdom, and maintaining a positive outlook despite the challenges of aging.

PRELUDE

Meena and I had met Cdr Hirak Nag, his dynamic Daughter Radhika and hubby , a few years ago to present him the Octogenarian Memento and the Sea Cap. On 06 Aug 2025 Cdr HK Nag, turned 90, on his glorious path to a Grand Century. His sister Mrs Nandini Mookerjee (Wife of Late VAdm Subimal Mookerjee) and Charming Daughter Ms Radhika had made arrangements to celebrate Cdr HK Nag's Grand Birthday at the Yacht Club at noon time on 6 Aug and invited a few close friends and relatives of the family. We drove down from our Pune home on the morning of 6 Aug and reached IMSC. Cdr Vadhera took us (Meena, I and Sreshtha, my niece) along to the Yacht Club for the Birthday celebrations.

CELEBRATIONS

The Venue on the First floor was abuzz with smiling guests. We were warmly greeted by Ms Radhika, (looking graceful in a green Sari) and her Aunt Mrs Nandini. Cdr Nag gleefully shook hands with Cdr Vadhera and I as we wished the Nonagenarian a very Happy 90^th Birthday. Among the dignitaries we had our Former CNS Adm VS Shekhawat and his good Lady Binu, Admiral’s Son Cdr & Mrs Ranvir Shekhawat and Cmde NN Rao were also present. Admiral Shekhawat was a course senior of Cdr Nag and they were both in NDA Swimming Team as cadets. During our interaction, the Admiral narrated some anecdotes of Cdr Nag ; how they both on being selected for the Long C, had gone for the orientation course to Pune, but soon Adm Shekhawat was withdrawn and sent to UK for the Submarine course.

I drew attention of the gathering to commence our NFMC Presentation ceremony. Cdr Vadhera, President NFMC and Adm Shekhawat presented the 90 yrs Seacap sent by NHQ. As I read out the CNS personal Letter of Appreciation to Cdr Nag, there was a huge round of Applause. A befitting tribute the Nonagenarian, from our fine Indian Navy. Cdr Vadhera also presented the latest QD, Family Log Book and a Docket :Actions on Veterans Demise to Cdr Nag, elaborating on the significance of each. The family then arranged for the Nautical Cake cutting in a grand style (photos below). While the celebrations were on, Cdr Vadhera and I once again wished Cdr Nag, thanked Radhika and Nandini Maam, took their leave to rush back for the 23^rd Soman Memorial Lecture in Asvini Auditorium scheduled in the afternoon.

A Brief Profile of Commander Hirak Kumar Nag (Service No. 00286Z), put together by his charming Daughter Ms Radhika.

“An Officer and a Gentleman” — these words aptly describe Commander Hirak Kumar Nag, a stalwart of the Indian Navy whose life was marked by courage, service, and grace both in and out of uniform.

Born on 06 August 1935 in Malda, West Bengal, to Colonel Dhirendra Chandra Nag and Mrs. Lina Nag, Cdr Nag belonged to a family deeply rooted in service to the nation. He grew up in a close-knit family with five siblings—three sisters, all of whom married into the Navy, and a brother.

Cdr Nag’s early life was shaped by the remarkable journey of his father, Col D. C. Nag, who served with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the Indian National Army (INA) and endured the hardship of being a Prisoner of War in Rangoon, Burma. While he was away, the young Nag siblings were raised by their mother and maternal grandparents in Darjeeling. Young Hirak and his brother studied at Mount Hermon School, a renowned American-style boarding school. Later when Col Nag was posted to Pune, they joined Bishops’ School and completed their schooling.

After completing his Senior Cambridge, Cdr Nag received news that he had been selected to join the Joint Services Wing (JSW) in Clement Town, Dehradun, the precursor to the National Defence Academy (NDA). He reported for the 8th course, which later became the first course to pass out from the newly established NDA.

A natural athlete and leader, he excelled both academically and in sports:

l Boxing Blue recipient

l Excellent swimmer, Cadet H K Nag won 2^nd place in the 13^th district athletic sports in Dehra Dun in 1953

l Cadet appointment in Alpha Squadron, JSW

l Cadet Captain (BCC) of No. 1 Battalion, NDA

His name was the very first on the first Dining Hall Board at NDA, a legacy that endured for decades, even when his daughter Radhika visited the Academy during her school excursion years later.

Some of his illustrious course mates from the 8th course are:

l Vice Admiral Avinash Bhatia (Logistics)

l Rear Admirals NN Anand, Moraes (Hydrography), and P. P. Sivamani

l Commodores J. P. Carneiro and V. S. Laroya

l Captains Madhu Kondath, Monty Chatterjee (Signals), and Arthur Lobo

DISTINGUISHED NAVAL CAREER

Cdr Hirak Kumar Nag was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1957 after completing his Midshipman and Cadets’ time. He specialized in Communications.

KEY APPOINTMENTS -

l Instructor in NDA in 1961-63

l Instructor, Naval Signals School, Cochin

l Deputy Director of Naval Signals, Naval Headquarters

l Commanding Officer, INS Guldar

l Commanding Officer, INS Kirpan (Frigate)

l Commanded a Coastal minesweeper and Kirpan( A/s frigate)

l Towed the old Godavari after GODSAL on her last journey to Bombay.

sharing an UNI article about Cdr HK Nag and 8^th course –

By Staff | Published: Friday, March 31, 2006, 21:34 [IST]

Kochi, Mar 31 (UNI) In a journey marked with nostalgia and excitement, a group of eight Naval veterans, who participated in the 1956 takeover of the strategic Minicoy lighthouse from the British, left here this evening for the island to attend the event's golden jubilee.

Talking to mediapersons onboard INS Tir, just before leaving for Minicoy, Lakshadweep, the veterans recalled that they were ''lily white midshipmen'', aged 18 to 20 years and in their third year at the NDA, when they were tasked to take over the Minicoy light house, a strategic beacon on one of the busiest sea routes in the world.

While India had attained Independence in 1947, it took another nine years to ''liberate'' the Minicoy lighthouse due to certain administrative hitches, including the fact that the formal handing- over required the ''assent'' of the British Queen.

''Ultimately, India did not wait for Britain to hand over the lighthouse. We were tasked to take it over and we did it,'' Commodore M S Pavithran, Naval Officer-in-Charge, Kerala and Lakshadweep, said. Describing the take-over as a ''solemn event'', Rear Admiral (Retd) P P Sivamani said it was not an offensive but a peaceful operation. The first generation INS Tir arrived off Minicoy Island on April 1, 1956. At sunset on that day, the Union Jack was lowered, and the next day, the tri-colour was unfurled atop the lighthouse while the midshipmen presented arms to the sound of the bugle.

In a re-enactment of the same event, the second generation INS Tir left for Minicoy this evening. The veterans on board, all well past their 70s, will witness the cadets of the 1st Training Squadron hoist the Tri-Colour on the lighthouse an April two with the Naval Band playing in attendance. ''The Indian Navy has done itself proud to remember the event and fossils like us. Maybe, some of us will be around to mark the 75th anniversary also,'' one of the veterans remarked. The eight officers, who retired from service and are now settled in various parts of the country, came to Kochi on their own expense to take part in the event. The officers are VAdm A C Bhatia, RAdm P P Sivamani, Commodores J P Carnerio and M Kondath, Commanders L K Mathur, H K Nag and K S Sood and Lt. Cdr L Kumar.

MEDALS

For his service, he was awarded the Raksha Medal (1965).

Cdr Nag took premature retirement on 31 August 1979 and subsequently served for five years in the Merchant Navy with the Shipping Corporation of India, before moving into consultancy in Delhi.

PERSONAL LIFE

On 22 November 1967, at the age of 32, Cdr Nag married Sunanda Gupta, a talented artist, in Kolkata. It was during the Naxal uprising curfew, he chose not to postpone the wedding—walking to the venue in the dark, in shorts, to honour his commitment.

The couple began their married life in Cochin, residing on Foreshore Road, Katari Bagh, where their daughter Radhika was born at INHS Sanjeevani. Later postings took the family to Vizag, Delhi, and Bombay, where Cdr Nag served at Lion Gate.

LIFE BEYOND SERVICE

After retiring from active seafaring life, Cdr Nag nurtured his passion for writing and contributed thoughtful articles on the Indian Navy to reputed publications, including the United Services Institution (USI) Journal, Times of India, keeping him intellectually connected to the Service he loved. He was an avid photographer, played the harmonica and accordion, loves singing and dancing.

MESSAGE FROM HIS COURSEMATE LT CDR LOKENDRA KUMAR -
Cdr Hirak kumar Nag joined the JSW in Clement Town in the 8th course of (now) NDA . An athlete, swimmer and boxer, a man of impeccable integrity, a true leader of men. He commanded a Coastal minesweeper and Kirpan (A/s frigate). Towed the old Godavari after GODSAL on her last journey to Mumbai. A compassionate human, a dependable friend and a fine Seamen.

Rgds / Lk.

MESSAGE FROM FORMER CNS ADM V S SHEKHAWAT, 7^th Course

Hirak and I were in different courses and squadrons, so didn't have much interaction with each other. We were both in the NDA Swimming team, and later, as Lieutenants, were Instructors together in NDA in 1961-63, when we interacted off and on, especially in Camps. We were both nominated for Long 'C', and a Scientific Orientation Course at CME, Kirkee in July 1963, but I was withdrawn after two weeks and sent to UK instead for Submarine Course. He was very disappointed to lose a companion in an academic struggle! I presented him some of my ties as a parting gift. In later years , especially in Delhi, we had more opportunities to meet socially as families, but time and distance were constraining factors.

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We, the Naval Veterans wish Cdr HK Nag a fruitful Nonagenarian tenure on his glorious journey to a Grand Century, that shall be celebrated in pompous style by NHQ and us all.

Sam No Varunah

Jai Hind

PS : Photos courtesy Ms Radhika & Meena Dutta.