Vice-Admiral Ram Dass Katari, often remembered for his pioneering role in shaping the Indian Navy, was the first Indian Naval Chief. Here’s a detailed look at his life and contributions:
Born: October 8, 1911, in Chingleput (now Chengalpattu), Tamil Nadu.
Educated in Chennai and later pursued his training in the Royal Indian Navy (RIN), the precursor to the Indian Navy.
Katari joined the RIN as a cadet in 1929.
He was trained at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in the United Kingdom, and served in various capacities in the RIN during the pre-Independence period.
During World War II, he served aboard several British and Indian naval ships, gaining extensive operational and administrative experience.
His performance earned him recognition and further promotions within the naval hierarchy.
lowing India’s independence in 1947, Katari played a key role in restructuring the Indian Navy, which had been largely British-dominated.
In 1950, he was promoted to the rank of Commodore and became the Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy.
Appointment: On April 22, 1958, R.D. Katari became the first Indian Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), succeeding British Admiral Sir Stephen Hope Carlill.
Tenure: He served as the CNS until June 4, 1962.
Focused on indigenization and modernization of the Indian Navy.
Advocated for building a self-reliant navy with Indian-built warships and infrastructure.
Strengthened naval training programs to produce competent officers and sailors.
Fostered closer cooperation with other branches of the Indian armed forces.
After retiring from the Navy, Katari remained active in public service and contributed to defense and maritime policy discussions.
He also served as India’s Ambassador to Burma (now Myanmar).
R.D. Katari is remembered as the “Father of the Modern Indian Navy”, laying the foundation for its growth into a formidable maritime force.
The INS Katari, a shore establishment in Visakhapatnam, was named in his honor.
Vice-Admiral Ram Dass Katari passed away on January 21, 1983.
