1971 war hero passes away, Defense Minister pays tribute
Vice Admiral (retd) Manohar Prahlad Awati, a Vir Chakra awardee and a veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, died of old-age yesterday at Vinchurni village in Satara district, Maharashtra. The 91-year-old is survived by wife Sandhya and sons Kailas and Kedarnath. His last rites were performed at his hometown. Paying tribute, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described Awati as an icon in the naval history.
'His actions led to destruction of an enemy submarine'
All you need to know about Manohar Pralhad Awati
Awati had joined the Royal Indian Navy in 1945 after completing his education. He was an expert in signal communication and commanded Indian naval ships such as 'Ranjit', 'Vendurthy,' 'Betwa,' 'Tir' and 'Mysore.' Awati, the founder of the Maritime History Society, was awarded the Vir Chakra for his exemplary valor as the commanding officer of 'INS Kamorta' during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.