Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane described Pal as “an able and committed officer” and said that under his leadership the Coast Guard was making great strides in strengthening India’s maritime security.
Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal, who played a key role in boosting the operational capability of his force, died at a hospital in Chennai on Sunday after a cardiac arrest, officials said.
Pal had assumed charge as the chief of the 25th Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Service on July 19 last year.
The officer, who was to attend an ICG event along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital (RGGH) after complaining of chest pain.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Rakesh Pal, Director General, Indian Coast Guard in Chennai today,” the Defence Minister said in ‘X’.
“He was a competent and committed officer, under whose leadership the ICG was making great strides in strengthening India’s maritime security. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family,” he said.
Singh also visited the hospital where he paid his respects to Pal.
The officer, who was a passionate music lover and a sports enthusiast, hailed from Uttar Pradesh. He is survived by his wife Dipa Pal and two daughters.
Arrangements are being made to shift his remains to Delhi, the officials cited above said.
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane described Pal as “an able and committed officer” and said that under his leadership the Coast Guard was making great strides in strengthening India’s maritime security.
Under Pal’s top supervision, the ICG carried out many major operations which included seizure of drugs, narcotic substances and gold worth crores of rupees.
In his distinguished career spanning over 34 years, the Flag Officer held several key positions at sea and on land. These included Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), Additional Director General (Policy and Plans) and Additional Director General at the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi.
He also held several prestigious staff positions, namely Director (Infrastructure and Works) and Senior Director (Administration) at the Coast Guard Headquarters.
Pal was known to have vast experience at sea and commanded all classes of Indian Coast Guard ships namely Samarth, Vijit, Sucheta Kriplani, Ahalyabai and C-03.
The officer also commanded two forward area Coast Guard bases in Gujarat, namely Okha and Vadinar.
He was promoted to the rank of additional director general in February 2022 and appointed additional director general at the Coast Guard Headquarters.
Pal was an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy and joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989.
He specialized professionally in Gunnery and Weapon Systems from Indian Naval College Dronacharya, Kochi and completed Electro Optical Fire Control Solution course in UK.
The officer also held the distinction of being the first Gunner of the Indian Coast Guard.
For his illustrious service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, the President Tatrakshak Medal and the Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service.
First published: August 18, 2024 | 10:33 PM IS
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