The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away ofAdmiral R.H. Tahiliani, former Chief of Naval Staff.
In a condolence message tohis wife,Smt. Meera Tahiliani, the President has said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of your husband Admiral R.H. Tahiliani, former Chief of Naval Staff.
Admiral Tahiliani led the Indian Navy with distinction for more than three decades. He was the first to land on the deck of INS Vikrant on a Hawker Sea Hawk Fighter in 1961, ushering carrier based aviation into the Indian Navy. During his distinguished career, Admiral Tahiliani commanded the carrier borne Squadron INAS 300 during the Indo-Pak war in 1971 as also the INS Trishul and the Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant. For his outstanding services to the nation and the Indian Navy, he was honoured with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM). Admiral Tahiliani’s services to the State and the people of Sikkim as Governor of the State of Sikkim between February 1990 to September 1994 shall always be remembered with respect and honour.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and the other members of your family, the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.
This release issued at 1750 hrs.