S. H. Sarma - Revision history

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{{Short description|Indian military officer (1922–2022)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox military person
| honorific prefix = [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]]
| name = S H Sarma
| honorific suffix = [[PVSM]]
| birth_date = {{birth date|1922|12|01|df=y}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|1|3|1922|12|1|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Orissa]], [[British Raj]] (present day [[Odisha]])
| death_place = [[Bhubaneswar]], Odisha, India
| placeofburial =
| image = File:VAdm SH Sarma.jpg
| caption =
| nickname =
| allegiance = {{flag|British Raj}} {{flag|India}}
| branch = {{navy|British Raj}} {{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg}} [[Indian Navy]]
| serviceyears = 1942–1978
| rank = [[File:British_Royal_Navy_(sleeves)_OF-8.svg|23px]] [[File:13-Indian_Navy-VADM.svg|23px]]
[[Vice Admiral]]
| commands = [[Eastern Naval Command]] [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]] {{ship|INS|Mysore|C60}} [[INS Venduruthy]] 16 Frigate Squadron {{ship|INS|Brahmaputra|F31}} {{ship|INS|Khukri|F149}}
| unit =
| battles = [[World War II]] [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
| awards = [[File:Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
| relations =
| laterwork =
}}
[[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] '''Sree Harilal Sarma''', [[PVSM]] (1 December 1922 – 3 January 2022) was an [[Indian Navy]] admiral who served as [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]] (FOCEF) during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]. He later served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief [[Eastern Naval Command]] from 1 March 1977 to 2 February 1978.

==Early life==
Sarma was born on 1 December 1922, in the then [[Bihar and Orissa Province]], in a large well-to-do family, the eldest of nine children. His father, Narsinga Panda, was a sub-registrar in the Bihar and Orissa Province government. He spent the first ten years with his uncle and aunt who did not have children, before moving to his parents, in 1932.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=1-4}}

The Indian Mercantile Marine Training Ship (IMMTS) ''[[Training Ship Chanakya|Dufferin]]'' was established in 1927 to train young men for India's marine service.{{sfn|Katari|1983}} In mid-1936, Sarma appeared for the all-India competitive examination in Calcutta. Successful in the examination, he sat for the interview in Bombay later that year.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=5-6}}

==Naval career==
===''Dufferin'' and Mercantile marine===
Sarma joined the ''Dufferin'' in January 1937. A good student, he was awarded the Viceroy's gold medal for the best all-round cadet,<ref name="FOCEF">{{cite web |title=Rear Admiral Sree Harilal Sarma |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1971-3DEC-31DEC-INDO-PAK-WAR/PDF/DEF-1971-12-08_222.pdf}}</ref> the Lawrence and Mayo prize for navigation and the [[Bombay Port Trust]] scholarship, when he graduated in December 1939.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=10}} As the gold medal winner, he had offers from the [[Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company]], [[British India Steam Navigation Company]] and the [[Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd.]] He chose to join the British India Steam Navigation Company in February 1940 as a cadet. He sailed on multiple ships, both in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and to [[Penang]], Singapore, [[Java]] and [[Hong Kong]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=9-10}} At Hong Kong, his ship MV ''Orna'' was converted for war needs and sailed for the Mediterranean, carrying troops and war supplies. In April 1942, he was transferred to SS ''Indora'' in Calcutta. Later that year, he obtained the second mate's certificate of competency.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=13-16}}

===World War II===
On 16 December 1942, as soon as he turned twenty, Sarma joined the [[Royal Indian Navy|Royal Indian Naval Reserve]] (RINR), and was commissioned as a [[Sub-lieutenant]].<ref name="FOC-in-C ENC">{{cite web |title=ADMIRAL SARMA TO HEAD EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1977-JAN-JULY-MIN-OF-DEFENCE-PART-I/PDF/DEF-1977-03-08_049.pdf}}</ref> After a short training, in April 1943, he was posted to the auxiliary patrol vessel HMIS ''Rukmavati'' as its navigating officer. The ship sailed from Bombay to Calcutta and then to [[Cox's Bazar]], patrolling the coast.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=21}} In August that year, he was transferred to the {{sclass|Bangor|minesweeper|1}} {{ship|HMIS|Kumaon|J164}}. She was assigned to escort duties and minesweeping operations between Bombay and the [[Persian Gulf]]. On 1 June 1944, Sarma was promoted to temporary [[Lieutenant (navy)|lieutenant]]<ref>{{cite book|pages=2107|title=The Navy List: July 1945 (Part II)|publisher=HM Stationery Office|year=1945}}</ref>

After [[Victory over Japan Day]] in August 1945, ''Kumaon'' was made a part of the 37th minesweeping flotilla and assigned minesweeping duties in the [[Strait of Malacca]] and the [[Singapore Strait]]. In September, Sarma on board the ''Kumaon'' participated in [[Operation Zipper]] and was present in Singapore during the [[Operation Tiderace|Japanese surrender ceremony]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=34-35}} In early 1946, the 56th Services Selection Board was set up at [[Lonavla]] to screen the RINR and Royal Indian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RINVR) officers for a permanent commission in the RIN.{{sfn|Thomas|2019|p=59}}

In early 1946, Sarma was given his first command – a {{sclass2|MMS|minesweeper|1}} ''MMS 154''. He was in command of the vessel during the [[Royal Indian Navy mutiny]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=39-40}} In August that year, he was transferred to the ''Bangor''-class minesweeper {{ship|HMIS|Rajputana|J197}} which was part of the 37th minesweeping flotilla and performed minesweeping operations in the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=41}}

===Post-Independence===
Immediately after the [[Independence of India]], Sarma was selected to attend the Navigation and Direction (ND) course at the Royal Navy School of Navigation, {{HMS|Dryad|shore establishment|6}}, then based at the [[Southwick House]], where he specialised in [[navigation]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|pp=50–51}} After completing the course, where he stood second, he returned to India on the {{sclass|Black Swan|sloop|1}} {{ship|HMIS|Cauvery|U10}}. He was appointed Staff Officer (Security) at Naval headquarters. He worked under two [[Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chiefs of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, Royal Indian Navy]] – Commodores [[M. H. St. L. Nott]] and [[Ajitendu Chakraverti]]. In January 1949, he was posted to the newly established [[Joint Services Wing]] (JSW), [[Dehradun]]. He served as a divisional officer of the first and second courses of the JSW.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=46}}

In early 1951, he was transferred to the [[flagship]] of the Navy – the {{sclass|Leander|cruiser|1||1931}} {{ship|INS|Delhi|C74}}. After a short stint, he was appointed [[executive officer]] of the [[training ship]] {{ship|INS|Tir|K256}}. He was promoted to the acting rank of [[Lieutenant Commander]] on 31 December 1951.<ref>{{cite web |title=HALF YEARLY PROMOTIONS IN THE INDIAN NAVY |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1951-JAN-DEC-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1951-12-28_251.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=28 December 1951}}</ref> In 1952, to commemorate the [[Coronation of Elizabeth II]], a massive Coronation review of the fleet was held at [[Portsmouth]]. The flagship INS ''Delhi'', destroyer {{ship|INS|Ranjit|1949}} and INS ''Tir'' represented India at the review. A naval armada consisting of ships from the Indian Navy, [[Royal Navy]], [[Royal Australian Navy]] and the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]] sailed from Portsmouth to Gibraltar. The fleet carried out exercises along the way and was under the command of [[Lord Mountbatten]]. Subsequently, the Indian ships continued conducting exercises with the Mediterranean Fleet. They sailed from Gibraltar to Malta, the [[List of islands of Greece|Greek islands]] and to [[Istanbul]].{{sfn|Nanda|2004|pp=78–81}}

Sarma was promoted to substantive lieutenant-commander on 1 June 1953.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=194 |date=22 August 1953 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> In 1954, he was appointed Officer-in-charge of the Navigation and Direction School in Cochin, the youngest incumbent. He also dual-hatted as the Staff Officer Operations (SO Ops) to the [[Southern Naval Command#List of Commanders|Commodore-in-Charge Cochin]] (COMCHIN) Commodore [[B.S. Soman]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=69}} In August 1956, Sarma was selected to attend the [[Royal Naval College, Greenwich]]. He completed the [[Staff college]] course in April 1957 and was slated to take command of the {{sclass|Blackwood|frigate|1}} {{ship|INS|Khukri|F149}} which was
under construction.<ref name="FOC-in-C ENC" /> Since the commissioning was delayed by a few months, his appointment was cancelled and he was asked to return to India. He was posted as Staff Officer (Operations) to the Commodore-in-Charge Bombay (COMBAY) Rear Admiral B. S. Soman. Sarma was promoted to the substantive rank of [[Commander]] on 31 December 1957, at the time the youngest Commander in the Navy, after superseding about fifty officers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=268 |date=29 November 1958 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref>{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=80}} In early 1958, Sarma was appointed the [[ship commissioning|commissioning]] [[commanding officer]] of the ''Khukri''. She was under construction in the [[Isle of Wight]] and commissioned on 16 July 1958. He sailed the ship down to India as her first commanding officer. He also led the ship in intensive anti-submarine exercises in Malta.{{sfn|Singh|1992|p=84}}

[[File:INS Khukri (F149).jpg|thumb|right|INS Khukri, the frigate which Sarma commissioned as its first CO.]]

In June 1959, after eighteen months in command of the ''Khukri'', Sarma was appointed Commander (executive officer) of the new [[flagship]] of the Navy – the {{sclass|Fiji|cruiser|1}} {{ship|INS|Mysore|C60}}, commanded by Captain [[Sourendra Nath Kohli]]. He succeeded Commander K. M. Nanavati in the aftermath of [[K. M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra]]. During this tenure, the ''Mysore'' participated in two joint exercises off Trincomalee (JET) and numerous port visits flying the flag of the [[Flag Officer Commanding Indian Fleet]] Rear Admiral [[Ajitendu Chakraverti]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=90}} In July 1960, Sarma was appointed the [[Military attaché|Deputy Naval Adviser]] to the [[List of High Commissioners of India to the United Kingdom|High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom]] at [[India House, London]]. The High Commissioner then was [[Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rear Admiral Sree Harilal Sarma |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1971-3DEC-31DEC-INDO-PAK-WAR/PDF/DEF-1971-12-08_222.pdf}}</ref> It was during this time that India's first [[aircraft carrier]] {{INS|Vikrant|1961|6}} was commissioned in [[Belfast]].{{Sfn|Hobbs|2014|p=203}} After a three-year stint as Deputy naval adviser, Sarma was promoted to [[Captain (Indian Navy)|Captain]] on 31 December 1964 and was appointed commanding officer of the [[frigate]] {{ship|INS|Brahmaputra|F31}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=81 |date=6 February 1965 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1965/O-1725-1965-0006-78835.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> He also commanded the 16th frigate squadron comprising the ships {{ship|INS|Brahmaputra|F31}}, {{ship|INS|Beas|F37}} and {{ship|INS|Betwa|F39}} from 1964 to 1965.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=xi}}

In mid-1965, Sarma was posted as the Chief of Staff Southern Naval Area, and in February 1966, took over as the commanding officer of the largest training establishment of the Indian Navy, {{INS|Venduruthy}}.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=107}} In August 1967, he was selected to attend the [[National Defence College (India)|National Defence College]] (NDC), New Delhi.<ref>{{cite web |title=26 SENIOR OFFICERS TO ATTEND NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE COURSE |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1967-JULY-DEC-DEFENCE-VOL-2/PDF/DEF-1967-08-26_060.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=26 August 1967}}</ref> Sarma declined the nomination to attend the NDC, continuing as CO INS Venduruthy until late 1968. After commanding ''Venduruthy'' for three years, he was appointed commanding officer of INS ''Mysore'' on 16 December 1968. Under his command, INS ''Mysore'' won the [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]] Sailing Regatta in 1969.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sainik Samachar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DdohlIUDakUC&q=sarma&pg=PP35 |publisher=Director of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence |language=en |date=1970}}</ref> He also filled in as the Chief of Staff to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief [[Western Naval Command]], [[Vice Admiral]] [[Nilakanta Krishnan]], an appointment he assumed full-time in August 1970.{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=136}} Sarma was promoted to acting [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] and appointed Senior Directing Staff (SDS) at the [[National Defence College, India|National Defence College]] (NDC), [[New Delhi]] on 6 January 1971.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=746 |date=26 June 1971 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1971/O-1355-1971-0026-60774.pdf |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> He served as SDS at the NDC only for a few months, until September.<ref>{{cite web |last1=College |first1=National Defence |title=National Defence College |url=https://ndc.nic.in/FormerFaculty.aspx?MenuId=9fsPy+KlrLAnIwEsuaB4ZA== |website=National Defence College}}</ref>

===Indo-Pakistani War of 1971===
[[File:Commander of the Eastern Naval Fleet during the 1971 War, Vice Admiral S.H. Sarma, and Tri-Services personnel salute the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame at Sarma's home in Odisha.jpg|thumb|VAdm Sarma salutes the Golden Victory Flame at his home in Odisha on the 50th anniversary of Vijay Diwas.]]
{{Main|Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}}
{{further|Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971}}
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was sparked by the [[Bangladesh Liberation war]], a conflict between the traditionally dominant [[West Pakistan]]is and the majority [[East Pakistan]]is. In 1970, East Pakistanis demanded autonomy for the state, but the [[Government of Pakistan|Pakistani government]] failed to satisfy these demands and, in early 1971, a demand for secession took root in East Pakistan. In March, the [[Pakistan Armed Forces]] launched a fierce campaign to curb the secessionists, the latter including soldiers and police from East Pakistan. Thousands of East Pakistanis died, and nearly ten million refugees fled to [[West Bengal]], an adjacent Indian state. In April, India decided to assist in the formation of the new nation of [[Bangladesh]].<ref name="Global Security - 1971 War">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm|title=Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|work=Global Security|date=27 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126094736/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm|archive-date=26 November 2022}}</ref>

In September 1971, Sarma was summoned by the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]], [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda|S M Nanda]] who told him that he was to move to [[Visakhapatnam]] and take up command of the yet-to-be-formed [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=151}}
The ''two-fleet'' concept of the Navy came into force with the constitution of the [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]] on 1 November 1971. Rear Admiral Sarma took over as the Founding [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]] (FOCEF).<ref>{{cite web |title=NAVYs EASTERN FLEET FORMED ADMIRAL SARMA PLACED IN COMMAND |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1971-SEPT-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1971-11-18_085.pdf}}</ref>

In mid 1971, The [[aircraft carrier]] {{INS|Vikrant|1961|6}}, along with the frigates {{INS|Brahmaputra|1957|6}} and {{INS|Beas|1958|6}} were moved from the [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]] to the [[Eastern Naval Command]].{{sfn|Krishnan|2022}} Thus, INS ''Vikrant'' became the flagship of the Eastern Fleet.

According to Sarma, the tasks of the Eastern Fleet were:
* To seek and destroy enemy naval units at sea
* To destroy his bases so that enemy naval units could not get shore support
* To establish a blockade off the East Pakistani coast
* To establish contraband control {{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=159-160}}

The Eastern Fleet effectively blockaded the ports of [[East Pakistan]]. [[Bréguet 1050 Alizé|Alizé]] and [[Hawker Sea Hawk]] aircraft from the INS ''Vikrant'' and the ships of the fleet bombarded [[Chittagong]] and [[Cox's Bazar]].{{sfn|Sarma|2001|p=154}} The air strikes of ''Vikrant'' resulted in the sinking or rendering useless 11 merchant ships totalling 56,914 tons.{{sfn|Krishnan|2014|p=64}} The Eastern Fleet also enforced contraband control until tasked with an amphibious landing to cut off the land escape routes into Burma.{{sfn|Hiranandani|2022}}
After the [[Pakistani Instrument of Surrender|surrender]] of [[Pakistan]], in early 1972, Sarma led the fleet's minesweeping operations to make the [[Port of Chittagong]] operational.

For his command of the Eastern Fleet in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], Sarma was decorated with the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]] (PVSM) on 26 January 1972.<ref name="PVSM">{{cite web |title=RASHTRAPATHI BHAVAN CIRCULAR |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/RASHTRAPATI%20BHAWAN/1972-JAN-MAY-RASHTRPATI-BHVAN/PDF/RPB-1972-01-26_057.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=26 January 1972}}</ref> The citation for the PVSM reads as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=PRESIDENT'S SECRETARIAT |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/RASHTRAPATI%20BHAWAN/1972-JAN-MAY-RASHTRPATI-BHVAN/PDF/RPB-1972-01-06_012.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |date=6 January 1972}}</ref>
{{Quotation|
{{center|'''CITATION''' 
'''CAPTAIN (ACTING REAR ADMIRAL) SREE HARILAL SARMA''' 
'''Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet'''}}

Acting Rear Admiral S H Sarma, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, the operational commander of all Indian naval forces in the Eastern Sector was responsible for safe-guarding the whole of Eastern seaboard from enemy attacks, to ensure complete blockade of the enemy held ports in Bangladesh. The officer conducted these operations with exemplary vigour, single mindedness of purpose and meticulous attention which resulted in the systematic disintegration and decimation of Pakistani Naval forces in the East and assured complete safety to the Indian Merchant shipping in the area. The Carrier borne forces under his command continuously attacked heavily defended enemy ports, inland waterways and hinterland causing serious damage to vital installations and seriously impairing the enemy's ability to continue to fight. He has displayed outstanding leadership and ability in the conduct of his duties as Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
|sign=|source=}}

===Post-war===
[[File:CNS Admiral R. Hari Kumar congratulating Vice Admiral SH Sarma, PVSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet FOCEF during 1971 War, on his 99th birthday 01.jpg|thumb|Admiral [[R. Hari Kumar]], [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]], congratulates Vice Admiral Sarma on his 99th birthday.]]

[[File:Vice Admiral SH Sarma, PVSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet FOCEF during 1971 War, on his 99th birthday.jpg|thumb|Vice Admiral Sarma wearing his naval uniform on his 99th birthday.]]

After commanding the Eastern Fleet for about two years, Sarma was appointed Director General Naval Dockyard Expansion Scheme (DG-NDES) in 1973, taking over from Rear Admiral [[P. S. Mahindroo]]. He was promoted to substantive rear admiral on 1 March of the same year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=724 |date=30 June 1973 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> He then served as the Flag Officer Commanding [[Southern Naval Command|Southern Naval Area]] from 1973 to 1975. On 7 January 1975,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=125 |date=31 January 1976 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> he was promoted to [[Vice Admiral]] and took over as the [[Commandant of the National Defence College]] on 8 January 1975. After a two-year stint as Commandant NDC, he took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief [[Eastern Naval Command]].<ref>{{cite web |title=ADMIRAL SARMA TO HEAD EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1977-JAN-JULY-MIN-OF-DEFENCE-PART-I/PDF/DEF-1977-03-08_049.pdf |website=pibarchive.nic.in |date=8 March 1977}}</ref>

After commanding the [[Eastern Naval Command]] for a year, Sarma retired on 2 February 1978.<ref>{{cite web |title=ADMIRAL SCHUNKER TO HEAD EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1978-JAN-MAR-MIN-OF-DEFENCE-PART-I/PDF/DEF-1978-02-02_113.pdf}}</ref>

==Later life and death==
[[File:Commodore NP Pradeep, Naval Officer in Charge (Odisha), pays homage at the funeral ceremony of Vice Admiral S.H. Sarma, PVSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet FOCEF during 1971 War.jpg|thumb|Commodore N.P. Pradeep, Naval Officer in Charge (Odisha), pays homage at Vice Admiral Sarma's funeral ceremony.]]
Post-retirement, Sarma wrote his autobiography, ''My Years at Sea'', which he released in book format in 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Autobiography released|date=8 May 2017 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2017/may/08/autobiography-released-1602367.html |publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref> On 14 January 2020, he was present at Odisha's fourth annual Armed Forces Veterans' Day and Ex-Servicemen Sammelan, during which he presented Chief Minister [[Naveen Patnaik]] with a bouquet.<ref>{{cite web |title=4th Armed Forces Veterans' Day Celebrated In Bhubaneswar |work=Ommcom News |author=Chandan Das, Snigdha |date=14 January 2020|url=https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/4th-armed-forces-veterans-day-celebrated-in-bhubaneswar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223185431/https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/4th-armed-forces-veterans-day-celebrated-in-bhubaneswar |archive-date=2020-02-23}}</ref> On 18 December 2020, Sarma was felicitated by eminent citizens of Odisha for his role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vice Admiral S. H. Sarma felicitated by eminent citizens on Vijay Divas |url=https://orissadiary.com/vice-admiral-s-h-sarma-felicitated-by-eminent-citizens-on-vijay-divas/ |work=Odisha Diary |date=19 December 2022}}</ref> To inaugurate the "Swarnim Vijay Varsh" 50th anniversary commemoration of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, four "victory flames" were lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the [[eternal flame]] at the [[National War Memorial (India)|National War Memorial]] on 16 December 2020. These victory flames were despatched to the four cardinal directions of the country, with one flame being sent to Sarma's home in recognition of his service.<ref name="veteran_honoured"/>

On 13 December 2021, Sarma travelled to Delhi, where he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of the Indian Navy, and also wrote a message in the electronic visitors' book there. On 14 December, he and other veterans were felicitated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the New Delhi Cantonment.<ref name="veteran_honoured">{{cite news |author= |date=17 December 2021 |title=Swarnim Vijay Varsh: Vice Admiral SH Sarma, Veteran Of Three Wars Honoured In New Delhi |url=https://odishabytes.com/swarnim-vijay-varsh-vice-admiral-sh-sarma-veteran-of-three-wars-honoured-in-new-delhi/ |work=OdishaBytes |location= |access-date=28 December 2021}}</ref> On 16 December, Sarma was honoured by Chief of the Naval Staff [[R. Hari Kumar]] and other senior naval officers for his service as the first Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and for his crucial role in the 1971 naval war.<ref name="veteran_honoured"/>

Sarma returned to Bhubaneswar on 17 December,<ref name="veteran_honoured"/> where from 22 December he was hospitalized in critical condition.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=17 December 2021 |title=Veteran Of Three Wars, Vice Admiral SH Sarma Hospitalised In Odisha Capital |url=https://odishabytes.com/veteran-of-three-wars-vice-admiral-sh-sarma-hospitalised-in-odisha-capital/|work=OdishaBytes |location= |access-date=28 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dhir |first=Anil |date=24 December 2021 |title=Vice Admiral S. H. Sarma Critical, Veteran on Life Support at City Hospital |url=https://odishabarta.com/vice-admiral-s-h-sarma-critical-veteran-on-life-support-at-city-hospital/ |work=Odisha Barta |location= |access-date=28 December 2021}}</ref> He died on 3 January 2022, at the age of 99.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://sambadenglish.com/vice-admiral-s-h-sarma-from-odisha-no-more/ |date=3 January 2022 |title= Vice Admiral SH Sarma from Odisha no more |work=[[Sambad]] }}</ref>

== Autobiography ==
SH Sarma published his autobiography, ''My Years at Sea'' in May 2017 which includes the defeat of Pakistani naval forces, and the growth of Indian Navy.{{sfn|Sarma|2001}}<ref>{{Cite news|title='My years at sea': Sarma's autobiography released|work=The Pioneer|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/my-years-at-sea-sarmas-autobiography-released.html}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]]
* [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]]
* [[Eastern Naval Command]]
* [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

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*{{citation|first1=S H|last1=Sarma|title=My years at sea|year=2001|isbn=978-8170621218 |publisher=Lancer Publishers & Distributors}}
*{{citation|first1=Satyindra|last1=Singh|title=Blueprint to bluewater, the Indian Navy, 1951-65|year=1992|isbn=978-8170621485|publisher=Lancer International}}
*{{citation|first1=Anup|last1=Thomas|title=Pride & Honour- Biography of Admiral R.L. Pereira, PVSM, AVSM|year=2019|isbn=978-8193600115|publisher=Southern Naval Command, Indian Navy}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Swaraj Parkash]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command]]|years=1977-1978}}
{{s-aft|after=[[M. R. Schunker]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Lieutenant General]] M N Batra}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commandant of the National Defence College]]|years=1975–1977}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Air Marshal]] T N Ghadiok}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Elenjikal Chandy Kuruvila]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Flag Officer Commanding [[Southern Naval Command|Southern Naval Area]]|years=1973–1975}}
{{s-aft|rows=2|after=[[Ronald Lynsdale Pereira]]}}
{{s-new|reason=Office created}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]]|years=1971–1973}}
{{s-end}}

{{Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sarma, S. H.}}
[[Category:1922 births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian Navy admirals]]
[[Category:Indian military personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:People from Odisha]]
[[Category:Royal Indian Navy officers]]
[[Category:Flag Officers Commanding Eastern Fleet]]
[[Category:Military leaders of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
[[Category:Admirals of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Commandants of National Defence College, India]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:36, 1 November 2022
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	{{Main\|Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}}		{{Main\|Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}}
	{{further\|Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971}}		{{further\|Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971}}
	The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was sparked by the [[Bangladesh Liberation war]], a conflict between the traditionally dominant [[West Pakistan]]is and the majority [[East Pakistan]]is. In 1970, East Pakistanis demanded autonomy for the state, but the [[Government of Pakistan\|Pakistani government]] failed to satisfy these demands and, in early 1971, a demand for secession took root in East Pakistan. In March, the [[Pakistan Armed Forces]] launched a fierce campaign to curb the secessionists, the latter including soldiers and police from East Pakistan. Thousands of East Pakistanis died, and nearly ten million refugees fled to [[West Bengal]], an adjacent Indian state. In April, India decided to assist in the formation of the new nation of [[Bangladesh]].<ref name="Global Security - 1971 War">{{cite web\|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm\|title=Indo-Pakistani War of 1971\|work=Global Security\|date=27 November 2016\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126094736/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm\|archive-date=26 November ~~2022~~}}</ref>		The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was sparked by the [[Bangladesh Liberation war]], a conflict between the traditionally dominant [[West Pakistan]]is and the majority [[East Pakistan]]is. In 1970, East Pakistanis demanded autonomy for the state, but the [[Government of Pakistan\|Pakistani government]] failed to satisfy these demands and, in early 1971, a demand for secession took root in East Pakistan. In March, the [[Pakistan Armed Forces]] launched a fierce campaign to curb the secessionists, the latter including soldiers and police from East Pakistan. Thousands of East Pakistanis died, and nearly ten million refugees fled to [[West Bengal]], an adjacent Indian state. In April, India decided to assist in the formation of the new nation of [[Bangladesh]].<ref name="Global Security - 1971 War">{{cite web\|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm\|title=Indo-Pakistani War of 1971\|work=Global Security\|date=27 November 2016\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126094736/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-pak_1971.htm\|archive-date=26 November 2016}}</ref>

	In September 1971, Sarma was summoned by the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)\|Chief of the Naval Staff]], [[Admiral (India)\|Admiral]] [[Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda\|S M Nanda]] who told him that he was to move to [[Visakhapatnam]] and take up command of the yet-to-be-formed [[Eastern Fleet (India)\|Eastern Fleet]].{{sfn\|Sarma\|2001\|p=151}}		In September 1971, Sarma was summoned by the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)\|Chief of the Naval Staff]], [[Admiral (India)\|Admiral]] [[Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda\|S M Nanda]] who told him that he was to move to [[Visakhapatnam]] and take up command of the yet-to-be-formed [[Eastern Fleet (India)\|Eastern Fleet]].{{sfn\|Sarma\|2001\|p=151}}
	The ''two-fleet'' concept of the Navy came into force with the constitution of the [[Eastern Fleet (India)\|Eastern Fleet]] on 1 November 1971. Rear Admiral Sarma took over as the Founding [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]] (FOCEF).<ref>{{cite web \|title=NAVYs EASTERN FLEET FORMED ADMIRAL SARMA PLACED IN COMMAND \|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1971-SEPT-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1971-11-18_085.pdf}}</ref>		The ''two-fleet'' concept of the Navy came into force with the constitution of the [[Eastern Fleet (India)\|Eastern Fleet]] on 1 November 1971. Rear Admiral Sarma took over as the Founding [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]] (FOCEF).<ref>{{cite web \|title=NAVYs EASTERN FLEET FORMED ADMIRAL SARMA PLACED IN COMMAND \|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1971-SEPT-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1971-11-18_085.pdf}}</ref>

	In mid 1971, The [[aircraft carrier]] {{INS\|Vikrant\|1961\|6}}, along with the frigates {{INS\|Brahmaputra\|1957\|6}} and {{INS\|Beas\|1958\|6}} were moved from the [[Western Fleet (India)\|Western Fleet]] to the [[Eastern Naval Command]].{{sfn\|Krishnan\|~~2022~~}} Thus, INS ''Vikrant'' became the flagship of the Eastern Fleet.		In mid 1971, The [[aircraft carrier]] {{INS\|Vikrant\|1961\|6}}, along with the frigates {{INS\|Brahmaputra\|1957\|6}} and {{INS\|Beas\|1958\|6}} were moved from the [[Western Fleet (India)\|Western Fleet]] to the [[Eastern Naval Command]].{{sfn\|Krishnan\|2014}} Thus, INS ''Vikrant'' became the flagship of the Eastern Fleet.

	According to Sarma, the tasks of the Eastern Fleet were:		According to Sarma, the tasks of the Eastern Fleet were:
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	* To establish contraband control {{sfn\|Sarma\|2001\|p=159-160}}		* To establish contraband control {{sfn\|Sarma\|2001\|p=159-160}}

	The Eastern Fleet effectively blockaded the ports of [[East Pakistan]]. [[Bréguet 1050 Alizé\|Alizé]] and [[Hawker Sea Hawk]] aircraft from the INS ''Vikrant'' and the ships of the fleet bombarded [[Chittagong]] and [[Cox's Bazar]].{{sfn\|Sarma\|2001\|p=154}} The air strikes of ''Vikrant'' resulted in the sinking or rendering useless 11 merchant ships totalling 56,914 tons.{{sfn\|Krishnan\|2014\|p=64}} The Eastern Fleet also enforced contraband control until tasked with an amphibious landing to cut off the land escape routes into Burma.{{sfn\|Hiranandani\|~~2022~~}}		The Eastern Fleet effectively blockaded the ports of [[East Pakistan]]. [[Bréguet 1050 Alizé\|Alizé]] and [[Hawker Sea Hawk]] aircraft from the INS ''Vikrant'' and the ships of the fleet bombarded [[Chittagong]] and [[Cox's Bazar]].{{sfn\|Sarma\|2001\|p=154}} The air strikes of ''Vikrant'' resulted in the sinking or rendering useless 11 merchant ships totalling 56,914 tons.{{sfn\|Krishnan\|2014\|p=64}} The Eastern Fleet also enforced contraband control until tasked with an amphibious landing to cut off the land escape routes into Burma.{{sfn\|Hiranandani\|2010}}
	After the [[Pakistani Instrument of Surrender\|surrender]] of [[Pakistan]], in early 1972, Sarma led the fleet's minesweeping operations to make the [[Port of Chittagong]] operational.		After the [[Pakistani Instrument of Surrender\|surrender]] of [[Pakistan]], in early 1972, Sarma led the fleet's minesweeping operations to make the [[Port of Chittagong]] operational.

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	==Later life and death==		==Later life and death==
	[[File:Commodore NP Pradeep, Naval Officer in Charge (Odisha), pays homage at the funeral ceremony of Vice Admiral S.H. Sarma, PVSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet FOCEF during 1971 War.jpg\|thumb\|Commodore N.P. Pradeep, Naval Officer in Charge (Odisha), pays homage at Vice Admiral Sarma's funeral ceremony.]]		[[File:Commodore NP Pradeep, Naval Officer in Charge (Odisha), pays homage at the funeral ceremony of Vice Admiral S.H. Sarma, PVSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet FOCEF during 1971 War.jpg\|thumb\|Commodore N.P. Pradeep, Naval Officer in Charge (Odisha), pays homage at Vice Admiral Sarma's funeral ceremony.]]
	Post-retirement, Sarma wrote his autobiography, ''My Years at Sea'', which he released in book format in 2017.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Autobiography released\|date=8 May 2017 \|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2017/may/08/autobiography-released-1602367.html \|publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref> On 14 January 2020, he was present at Odisha's fourth annual Armed Forces Veterans' Day and Ex-Servicemen Sammelan, during which he presented Chief Minister [[Naveen Patnaik]] with a bouquet.<ref>{{cite web \|title=4th Armed Forces Veterans' Day Celebrated In Bhubaneswar \|work=Ommcom News \|author=Chandan Das, Snigdha \|date=14 January 2020\|url=https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/4th-armed-forces-veterans-day-celebrated-in-bhubaneswar \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223185431/https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/4th-armed-forces-veterans-day-celebrated-in-bhubaneswar \|archive-date=2020-02-23}}</ref> On 18 December 2020, Sarma was felicitated by eminent citizens of Odisha for his role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Vice Admiral S. H. Sarma felicitated by eminent citizens on Vijay Divas \|url=https://orissadiary.com/vice-admiral-s-h-sarma-felicitated-by-eminent-citizens-on-vijay-divas/ \|work=Odisha Diary \|date=19 December ~~2022~~}}</ref> To inaugurate the "Swarnim Vijay Varsh" 50th anniversary commemoration of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, four "victory flames" were lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the [[eternal flame]] at the [[National War Memorial (India)\|National War Memorial]] on 16 December 2020. These victory flames were despatched to the four cardinal directions of the country, with one flame being sent to Sarma's home in recognition of his service.<ref name="veteran_honoured"/>		Post-retirement, Sarma wrote his autobiography, ''My Years at Sea'', which he released in book format in 2017.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Autobiography released\|date=8 May 2017 \|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2017/may/08/autobiography-released-1602367.html \|publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref> On 14 January 2020, he was present at Odisha's fourth annual Armed Forces Veterans' Day and Ex-Servicemen Sammelan, during which he presented Chief Minister [[Naveen Patnaik]] with a bouquet.<ref>{{cite web \|title=4th Armed Forces Veterans' Day Celebrated In Bhubaneswar \|work=Ommcom News \|author=Chandan Das, Snigdha \|date=14 January 2020\|url=https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/4th-armed-forces-veterans-day-celebrated-in-bhubaneswar \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223185431/https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/4th-armed-forces-veterans-day-celebrated-in-bhubaneswar \|archive-date=2020-02-23}}</ref> On 18 December 2020, Sarma was felicitated by eminent citizens of Odisha for his role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Vice Admiral S. H. Sarma felicitated by eminent citizens on Vijay Divas \|url=https://orissadiary.com/vice-admiral-s-h-sarma-felicitated-by-eminent-citizens-on-vijay-divas/ \|work=Odisha Diary \|date=19 December 2020}}</ref> To inaugurate the "Swarnim Vijay Varsh" 50th anniversary commemoration of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, four "victory flames" were lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the [[eternal flame]] at the [[National War Memorial (India)\|National War Memorial]] on 16 December 2020. These victory flames were despatched to the four cardinal directions of the country, with one flame being sent to Sarma's home in recognition of his service.<ref name="veteran_honoured"/>

	On 13 December 2021, Sarma travelled to Delhi, where he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of the Indian Navy, and also wrote a message in the electronic visitors' book there. On 14 December, he and other veterans were felicitated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the New Delhi Cantonment.<ref name="veteran_honoured">{{cite news \|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> \|date=17 December 2021 \|title=Swarnim Vijay Varsh: Vice Admiral SH Sarma, Veteran Of Three Wars Honoured In New Delhi \|url=https://odishabytes.com/swarnim-vijay-varsh-vice-admiral-sh-sarma-veteran-of-three-wars-honoured-in-new-delhi/ \|work=OdishaBytes \|location= \|access-date=28 December 2021}}</ref> On 16 December, Sarma was honoured by Chief of the Naval Staff [[R. Hari Kumar]] and other senior naval officers for his service as the first Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and for his crucial role in the 1971 naval war.<ref name="veteran_honoured"/>		On 13 December 2021, Sarma travelled to Delhi, where he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of the Indian Navy, and also wrote a message in the electronic visitors' book there. On 14 December, he and other veterans were felicitated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the New Delhi Cantonment.<ref name="veteran_honoured">{{cite news \|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> \|date=17 December 2021 \|title=Swarnim Vijay Varsh: Vice Admiral SH Sarma, Veteran Of Three Wars Honoured In New Delhi \|url=https://odishabytes.com/swarnim-vijay-varsh-vice-admiral-sh-sarma-veteran-of-three-wars-honoured-in-new-delhi/ \|work=OdishaBytes \|location= \|access-date=28 December 2021}}</ref> On 16 December, Sarma was honoured by Chief of the Naval Staff [[R. Hari Kumar]] and other senior naval officers for his service as the first Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and for his crucial role in the 1971 naval war.<ref name="veteran_honoured"/>