1971 war hero passes away, Defense Minister pays tribute
What's the story
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.
Twitter Post
'His actions led to destruction of an enemy submarine'
Vice Admiral M P Awati (Retd) #PVSM, #VirChakra passed away; was the commanding officer of a naval unit of the Eastern Fleet,Dec’71. Captured three enemy ships carrying contraband goods. His actions led to destruction of an enemy submarine. An icon in naval history. My homage.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 4, 2018
Career
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.
Twitter Post
It's truly the end of an era: Navy Chief Lanba
Deeply regret to inform the sad demise of Vice Admiral MP Awati (Retd) early this morning, at his hometown Vinchurni, Phaltan, near Satara. He was 91. A giant of a man, one of our tallest heroes and greatest icons. It's truly the end of an era. May his soul RIP - Adm S Lanba CNS pic.twitter.com/Y3l6idVNaK
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) November 4, 2018