Admiral Sharma Centenary Commemoration
Anil Dhir
Bhubaneswar 7th Jan: To commemorate the first death anniversary of Late Vice Admiral S.H.Sarma, Admiral’s son, Captain Navin Chandra Sarma held a month-long series of events starting from the 1st December 2022.
The Odia translation of his much acclaimed book “ My Years at Sea” was released by the Mayor of Bhubaneswar Ms. Sulochana Das on the 1st December 2022.
During the month, seminars were held at Berhampur on the 10th Dec. where Vice Chancellor Khallikote University was the Chief Guest, followed by another at the Odisha State Maritime Museum at Katak on the 20th. Vijay Divas was observed at Gita Gobind Bhavan Bhubaneswar on 16th December. On 3rd January 2023 a Memorial meeting was held for all family, friends and well wishers. Copies of his book were distributed to over 100 different schools.
The Naval Officer in Charge, Odisha, in association with Navy foundation Odisha, today held the maiden Inaugural Memorial Lecture in honour of Late Vice Admiral S H Sarma PVSM at the Jayadev Bhavan which was attended by the Governor of Odisha, Prof. Ganeshi Lal. This was the inaugural lecture which will be an annual calendar event. The speakers were Naval Strategists who spoke about the current and future scenario of the role of the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean and the world.
Two awards for the best NCC Naval Cadet, a boy and a girl respectively, were announced and handed over to the cadets. A Coffee Table Book titled “The Chronicles of Admiral SH Sarma” curated by his son Captain Navin Sarma, was released along with a set of picture postcards depicting his Naval career, made under the logo of India Post.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Ganeshi Lal spoke of the glorious traditions of the Indian Navy and lauded the stellar role of Admiral Sarma during the 1971 war and his service to the nation. He said that Admiral Sarma was an inspiration for many Odias and that youth should emulate his ideals. Among those who attended the event included the FOCEF Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, NOIC Odisha, Cmde N Pradeep.
Vice Admiral Sarma was the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet during the 1971 war and also served as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC in C) of the Eastern Naval Command. He expired on the 3rd January 2022 and has left behind a legacy of 35 years of service in the Indian Navy. He was a son of the soil, a brave Odia who devoted his life for the motherland.
Veteran Bidyadhar Nayak, President of the Veterans Club of Odisha has earlier written to the Government of Odisha to make a proper Gallery dedicated to Admiral Sarma at the Maritime Museum at Katak where his achievements can be showcased. He said that Admiral Sarma had been a keeper of the flame, he had upheld the ancient maritime traditions of Odisha.
The family of Admiral Sarma are willing to donate all his artefacts if the Gallery is commissioned.
