Memorial for Navy Veteran Admiran Sarma Inaguarated.
Anil Dhir
Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar 3rd January : The Memorial for Vice Admiral S. H. Sarma, PVSM, was formally inaugurated by Mrs Sulochana Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar today at Navy House. The Memorial Museum showcases photographs, artefacts, memorabilia, ship models and Indian Naval History post-Independence. In her address, the Mayor spoke on the enduring relevance of Admiral Sarma’s leadership, his contribution to national security, and the importance of preserving maritime and military heritage for future generations. She emphasised that the memorial stands not only as a tribute to an outstanding naval Admiral, but also as a source of civic pride and historical awareness.
Mr Anil Dhir, noted author and historian, spoke on Admiral Sarma’s place in India’s naval history and the decisive role of the Eastern Fleet during the 1971 War, under his leadership. According to Dhir, Admiral Sarma devoted his life to the service of India, serving the nation with distinction across three wars, the Second World War, the 1965 conflict, and the 1971 War. Few naval officers anywhere in the world have witnessed and shaped such a long arc of maritime history. His service spanned the era of empire, independence, and India’s emergence as a regional maritime power. Admiral Sarma was a proud son of Kalinga, a land whose relationship with the sea predates recorded history. From the ancient mariners of Kalinga who sailed to Southeast Asia, to a modern admiral who commanded fleets in the Bay of Bengal, his life represents the continuity of Odisha’s maritime heritage.
Captain Navin Chandra Sarma, Master Mariner and son of Admiral S. H. Sarma, reflected on his father’s professional ethos, moral courage, and lifelong dedication to service, offering personal insights into the man behind the uniform. Admiral Sarma’s grandson, Captain Anoj Sarma spoke on his leadership qualities, strategic foresight, and the values he exemplified, which continue to inspire naval and maritime professionals.
The ceremony was attended by many serving and veteran servicemen from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Army along with academicians, historians, students and eminent citizenry. The speakers collectively underscored that the memorial is both a tribute to an exceptional life and a lasting reminder of India and Odisha’s maritime legacy and strategic vision.
The memorial restores this forgotten narrative that Odisha has produced seafarers of global consequence and that India’s naval traditions are rooted in its eastern seaboard as much as its western. In commemorating Admiral Sarma, the memorial honours Kalinga’s enduring bond with the sea. The Memorial will be open to the Public on Sundays from 10.00 AM to 1.00 PM, and to Student groups accompanied by teachers with prior appointment.
