1971 Indo-Pak War Veteran SH Sarma Passes Away In Bhubaneswar

Former Indian Navy admiral Sree Harilal Sarma, who served as a Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet during the historic Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

As per reports, Sarma was admitted to the critical care unit of Care Hospital on December 24 after his health condition deteriorated. He breathed his last in the evening at around 6 pm.

Sarma, the senior-most living veteran of the country, was recently felicitated by the Centre. Sarma had witnessed the actions in World War II and both the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. His role in the 1971 war against Pakistan, as Fleet Commander in the Bay of Bengal, was pivotal in India’s victory. Under his command, the Eastern Fleet had launched 93 airstrikes against the enemy instead of a planned five, which proved to be costlier for the enemy without any loss of Indian lives.

Condolences poured in from different quarters soon after the news of the passing away of the navy veteran broke. Expressing grief on the demise of Sarma, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote, "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of one of #Odisha’s illustrious sons, Vice Admiral S H Sarma, PVSM. The veteran soldier led from the front during many battles India has fought. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family and friends."

Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of one of #Odisha’s illustrious sons, Vice Admiral S H Sarma, PVSM. The veteran soldier led from front during many battles India has fought. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family and friends. pic.twitter.com/0Rz9EUdy89

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 3, 2022