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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| name = Vice Admiral Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani
|honorific_prefix= [[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]]
| name = G M Hiranandani
|honorific_suffix= [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], [[Nau Sena Medal|NM]]
| birth_date = 29 June 1931
| birth_date = 29 June 1931
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2009|09|01|1931|06|29}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2009|09|01|1931|06|29}}
| birth_place = [[Karachi]], [[British India]]
| birth_place = [[Karachi]], Sindh, [[British India]]<br>(Present day:<br>Karachi, [[Sindh]], [[Pakistan]])
| death_place = [[Malakkara]], [[Pathanamthitta district]], [[Kerala]]
| death_place = Malakkara, [[Pathanamthitta district|Pathanamthitta District]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| place of cremation = [[Malakkara]], [[Pathanamthitta district]], [[Kerala]]
| place of cremation = [[Malakkara]], [[Pathanamthitta district]], [[Kerala]]
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| nickname =
| nickname =
| allegiance = {{flag|India}}
| allegiance = {{flag|India}}
| branch = [[Indian Navy]]
| branch = [[Indian Navy]]
| serviceyears = 1949–1989
| serviceyears = 1949–1989
| rank = [[Vice Admiral]]
| rank = [[File:British_Royal_Navy_(sleeves)_OF-8.svg|20px]] [[File:13-Indian_Navy-VADM.svg|20px]] [[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]]
| commands = Vice Chief of the Naval Staff <br/> FOC-IN-C, [[Southern Naval Command]] <br/> Deputy Chief of Naval Staff <br/> Commanding officer [[INS Rajput (D51)]] <br/> Commandant, [[INS Dronacharya]] <br/> Commanding officer [[INS TIR]]
| commands = [[Southern Naval Command]] <br/> [[INS Rajput (D51)]] <br/> [[INS Dronacharya]] <br/> [[HMIS Tir|INS Tir]]
| unit =
| unit =
| battles = [[Liberation of Goa]] <br/> <br/> [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
| battles = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
| awards = [[Nausena Medal]] <br/> [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] <br /> [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
| awards = [[File:Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] <br />[[File:Nao_Sena_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Nausena Medal]]
| laterwork = Member, [[Union Public Service Commission|UPSC]] 1989-1995 <br/> Official Historian, Indian Navy 1995-2009; <br/> Author, Transition to Triumph <br/> Author, Transition to Eminence <br/> Author, Transition to Guardianship
| laterwork = Member, [[Union Public Service Commission|UPSC]] 1989–1995 <br/> Official Historian, Indian Navy 1995–2009; <br/> Author, Transition to Triumph <br/> Author, Transition to Eminence <br/> Author, Transition to Guardianship
}}
}}


'''Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani''' (29 June 1931 – 1 September 2009) was a senior [[Indian Navy]] [[Flag officer|officer]] who served as the [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]] from 1987 to 1989. His prior commands included those as the [[Flag Officer Commanding, Royal Indian Navy|Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] (FOC-IN-C) of the [[Southern Naval Command]], Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of Staff of the [[Western Naval Command]] and the Commissioning Commanding Officer of the {{ship|INS|Rajput|D51}}, the lead vessel of the [[Rajput class destroyer]]s. He was awarded the [[Nausena Medal]] for gallantry during the [[Indo-Pakistan War of 1971]].
[[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] '''Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani''', [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], [[Nau Sena Medal|NM]] (29 June 1931 – 1 September 2009) was a former [[flag officer]] in the [[Indian Navy]]. He served as the [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]] from 1987 to 1989. Prior to that, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief [[Southern Naval Command]]. He was the Commissioning [[Commanding Officer]] of the {{ship|INS|Rajput|D51}}, the lead vessel of the [[Rajput class destroyer]]s. He was awarded the [[Nausena Medal]] for gallantry during the [[Indo-Pakistan War of 1971]].


Vice Admiral Hiranandani is also credited with the detailed planning of the [[Indian Naval Academy]] at [[Ezhimala]] and [[INS Kadamba]] in [[Karwar]], the foundation stones for which were laid during his tenure as flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command. During his tenure all Naval Training was centralized under the southern Naval Command. A brilliant tactician, his work remains pivotal to Indian naval training on maneuvers and operational tactics.
Hiranandani is also credited with the detailed planning of the [[Indian Naval Academy]] at [[Ezhimala]] and [[INS Kadamba]] in [[Karwar]], the foundation stones for which were laid during his tenure as flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command. During his tenure all Naval Training was centralized under the southern Naval Command. A brilliant tactician, his work remains pivotal to Indian naval training on maneuvers and operational tactics.


After retirement, Hiranandani served on the [[Union Public Service Commission]]. Later, he was appointed the Official Historian of the Indian Navy. He authored three landmark books on Indian naval history, ''Transition to Triumph'', ''Transition to Eminence'' and ''Transition to Guardianship''. These books covered the history of the Indian Navy from 1965 to 2000.
After retirement, Hiranandani served on the [[Union Public Service Commission]]. Later, he was appointed the Official Historian of the Indian Navy. He authored three landmark books on Indian naval history, ''Transition to Triumph'', ''Transition to Eminence'' and ''Transition to Guardianship''. These books covered the history of the Indian Navy from 1965 to 2000.


==Service career==
==Service career==
Gulab Hiranandani joined the [[Royal Indian Navy]] in 1949. He trained with the [[Royal Navy]], between 1949 and 1953. He underwent specialized training in Gunnery and Missiles in 1957.<ref name=nwcr-telescope>{{cite journal|url=http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/5f868aad-ac05-427d-95dc-3a467d0b2237/Indian-End-of-the-Telescope,-The--India-and-Its-Na|title=The Indian End of the Telescope: India and Its Navy|author=Vice Admiral Gulab Hiranandani, Indian Navy (Retired)|journal=Naval War College Review|date=Spring 2002|volume=LV|issue=2|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref> In 1965, he attended the Naval Staff College at [[Royal Naval College, Greenwich]].<ref name=dsa-hiranandani>{{cite web|url=http://www.dalsabzi.com/Books/Sindhi_surnames/hiranandani_pg2.htm|title=Hiranandani, Page 2|publisher=Dal Sabzi for the Aatman|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref> He held a Master's degree in Military Science and a doctorate in Political Science.
Hiranandani joined the [[Royal Indian Navy]] in 1949. He trained with the [[Royal Navy]], between 1949 and 1953. He underwent specialized training in Gunnery and Missiles in 1957.<ref name=nwcr-telescope>{{cite journal|url=http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/5f868aad-ac05-427d-95dc-3a467d0b2237/Indian-End-of-the-Telescope,-The--India-and-Its-Na|title=The Indian End of the Telescope: India and Its Navy|last=Hiranandani|first=Gulab Mohanlal|journal=Naval War College Review|date=Spring 2002|volume=LV|issue=2|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref> In 1965, he attended the Naval Staff College at [[Royal Naval College, Greenwich]].<ref name=dsa-hiranandani>{{cite web|url=http://www.dalsabzi.com/Books/Sindhi_surnames/hiranandani_pg2.htm|title=Hiranandani, Page 2|publisher=Dal Sabzi for the Aatman|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref> He held a Master's degree in Military Science and a doctorate in Political Science.
In 1961, he was appointed the [[Commandant]] of [[INS Dronacharya]], and was promoted to commander on 30 June 1969.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=88 |date=17 January 1970 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1970/O-1389-1970-0003-62646.pdf |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref>
In 1961, he was appointed the Commandant of [[INS Dronacharya]].


During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Hiranandani served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Indian Navy. In this role, he led the detailed planning and logistics for key naval operations. He was awarded the Nausena Medal for his role in planning and implementing of [[Operation Trident (1971)|Operation Trident]] and [[Operation Python]].<ref name=hindu-cremated>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article14650.ece|title=Vice-Admiral Hiranandani cremated with full Naval honours|publisher=The Hindu|date=2009-09-03|accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref>
During the [[Indo-Pakistan War of 1971]], Hiranandani served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]]. In this role, he led the detailed planning and logistics for key naval operations. He was awarded the [[Nau Sena Medal]] for his role in planning and implementing of [[Operation Trident (1971)|Operation Trident]] and [[Operation Python]].<ref name=hindu-cremated>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article14650.ece|title=Vice-Admiral Hiranandani cremated with full Naval honours|work=The Hindu|date=2009-09-03|accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref>


Hiranandani served as the Deputy Director Weapons policy & tactics (1968-1970) where he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Missile boats used in Operation Python & operation Trident. He developed the tactics on how to deploy them in War. During his Tenure as Commanding officer INS TIR (1970-1971) he developed & tested methods of towing the short range missile boats from Vizag in Bombay in heavy seas during the monsoon of 1971. These techniques were then used to tow the missile boats near Karachi harbour to be used as Missile delivery Vehicles with devastating effect. He was appointed the Director of Combat Policy and Tactics (DCPT) between 1974 and 1977. He was a deep thinker and brilliant tactician. His work on naval strategy remains the basis for much of the tactical training and operational maneuvers of the Indian Navy. He was awarded the [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] (AVSM) for this contribution.
Hiranandani served as the Deputy Director Weapons policy & tactics (1968-1970) where he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Missile boats used in Operation Python & Operation Trident. He developed the tactics on how to deploy them in War. During his Tenure as Commanding officer INS TIR (1970-1971) he developed & tested methods of towing the short range missile boats from Vizag in Bombay in heavy seas during the monsoon of 1971. These techniques were then used to tow the missile boats near Karachi harbour to be used as Missile delivery Vehicles with devastating effect. He was appointed the Director of Combat Policy and Tactics (DCPT), serving from 1974 to 1977. He was a deep thinker and brilliant tactician. His work on naval strategy remains the basis for much of the tactical training and operational maneuvers of the Indian Navy. He was awarded the [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] (AVSM) for this contribution. Hiranandani was promoted substantive captain on 1 January 1976.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=1059 |date=31 July 1976 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> In 1980, he commissioned {{ship|INS|Rajput|D51}}, the lead vessel of the [[Rajput class destroyer]]s as its first Commanding Officer.<ref name=dh-passesaway>{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/23283/vice-admiral-g-m-hiranandani.html|title=Vice-Admiral G M Hiranandani passes away|publisher=Deccan Herald|date=2009-09-04|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref>


===Flag rank===
In 1980, he commissioned {{ship|INS|Rajput|D51}}, the lead vessel of the [[Rajput class destroyer]]s as its first Commanding Officer.<ref name=dh-passesaway>{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/23283/vice-admiral-g-m-hiranandani.html|title=Vice-Admiral G M Hiranandani passes away|publisher=Deccan Herald|date=2009-09-04|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref>
Hiranandani was appointed the Chief of Staff of the [[Western Naval Command]] in 1981, with promotion to rear admiral on 7 May 1981.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=139 |date=29 January 1983 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> Promoted [[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] on 30 June 1983,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=1306 |date=4 August 1984 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> he was appointed the [[Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff]] the same year. During this time he laid the foundation for the Project 15 Class of Stealth Guided Missile destroyers. He worked in close co-ordination with the DRDO & Bharat Electricals to indigenously design the electronics and Missile systems required for our new Warships. He was instrumental in putting together a long ship building plan which gave The Indian Navy the capability to be self sufficient in building its own up to date warships and missiles.


He was appointed the Chief of Staff of the [[Western Naval Command]] in 1981. He was appointed the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff in 1983. During this time he laid the foundation for the Project 15 Class of Stealth Guided Missile destroyers. He worked in close co-ordination with the DRDO & Bharat Electricals to indigenously design the electronics and Missile systems required for our new Warships. He is instrumental in putting together a long ship building plan which gave The indian navy the capability to be self sufficient in building its own up to date warships and missiles.
In 1985, Hiranandani was appointed the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the [[Southern Naval Command]]. During his tenure in this office, he led the detailed planning for the development of the [[Indian Naval Academy]] at [[Ezhimala]], [[Kerala]]. He was also involved in the planning of [[INS Kadamba]] in [[Karwar]], [[Karnataka]]. He was instrumental in persuading the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Karnataka to transfer the land for these massive projects to the navy.<ref name=hindu-cremated/> He was awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]] (PVSM) for these contributions.


In 1987, he was appointed the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS).<ref>{{cite web |title=NEW VICE CHIEF OF NAVY |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1987-JULY-DEC-DEFENCE-/PDF/DEF-1987-11-28_153.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |date=28 November 1987|access-date=18 January 2022}}</ref> While serving as the VCNS, he was involved in Operation Cactus - [[1988 Maldives coup d'état attempt]]. He was the officiating CNS on 3rd November 1988 when the operation was launched as the CNS was out of the country. He was part of the apex level planning of the operation, in which several warships of the Indian Navy participated. Hiranandani retired from active service in the Indian Navy in 1989.<ref>{{cite web |title=NEW VICE CHIEF TAKES OVER |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1989-JAN-JUNE-DEFENCE-I/PDF/DEF-1989-02-28_078.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |date=28 February 1989|access-date=18 January 2022}}</ref>
In 1985, Vice Admiral Hiranandani was appointed the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the [[Southern Naval Command]]. During his tenure in this office, he led the detailed planning for the development of the [[Indian Naval Academy]] at [[Ezhimala]], [[Kerala]]. He was also involved in the planning of [[INS Kadamba]] in [[Karwar]], [[Karnataka]]. He was instrumental in persuading the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Karnataka to transfer the land for these massive projects to the navy.<ref name=hindu-cremated/> He was awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]] (PVSM) for these contributions.
{{s-start}}

{{s-mil}}
In 1987, he was appointed the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. During his Tenure as Vice Chief on naval staff he was able to get long term sanctions in place from the Defence & finance ministries so the Ezhimala, Karwar and Ship building programs could proceed to Fruition. Over the next 20 years in his time as OSD to Naval headquarters he monitored and facilitated the progress of these programs.
{{s-bef| before = [[Jayant Ganpat Nadkarni]]}}
Vice Admiral Hiranandani retired from active service in the Indian Navy in 1989. He continued to mentor the navy for the next 20 years.
{{s-ttl| title = [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]]| years = 1987-1989}}
{{s-aft | after =S. C. Chopra}}
{{s-bef|before=K. K. Nayyar}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command]]|years=1984-1987}}
{{s-aft|after= [[Laxminarayan Ramdas]]}}
{{s-bef| before = Subimal Mookerjee}}
{{s-ttl| title = [[Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff]]| years = 1983-1984}}
{{s-aft| after =S. Jain}}
{{s-end}}


==Later contributions==
==Later contributions==
After retirement from the Navy, Admiral Hiranandani served as a member of the [[Union Public Service Commission]] for six years between 1989 and 1995. He retired as the commission's Acting Chairman.
After retirement from the Navy, Hiranandani served as a member of the [[Union Public Service Commission]] for six years between 1989 and 1995. He retired as the commission's Acting Chairman.


In 1995, he was appointed the ''Official Historian of the Indian Navy''. He authored a trilogy on the history of the Indian navy. ''Transition to Triumph'' covering the period between 1965 and 1975 was published in 1999.<ref name=in-t2t>{{cite book|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/t2t2e/Trans2Trimph/start.htm|title=Transition to Triumph: History of the Indian Navy 1965-75|author=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani|publisher=Indian Navy|accessdate=2012-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314072520/http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/t2t2e/Trans2Trimph/start.htm |archive-date=2007-03-14}}</ref> ''Transition to Eminence'' captures naval history between 1976 and 1990 was published in 2004.<ref name=in-t2e>{{cite book|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/te/index.htm|title=Transition to Eminence: History of the Indian Navy 1976-90|author=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani|publisher=Indian Navy|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref> ''Transition to Guardianship'' covers the history of the navy between 1991 and 2000 and was completed just before his death. It was released on Navy Day, 4 December 2009. This contemporary history of the Indian Navy is Unique in that by providing a detailed account on Naval history in the 20th century it allows Naval officers to learn about naval history and perhaps help them to learn from this and prevent mistakes. One of Admiral Hiranandani's favourite sayings was, "Those who fail to learn from the lessons of history are condemned to repeat them" His aim in writing the ''History of the Indian Navy'' was to leave behind a document for later generations of Naval Officers to learn from the mistakes of the past.
In 1995, he was appointed the ''Official Historian of the Indian Navy''. He authored a trilogy on the history of the Indian Navy. ''Transition to Triumph'' covering the period between 1965 and 1975 was published in 1999.<ref name=in-t2t>{{cite book|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/t2t2e/Trans2Trimph/start.htm|title=Transition to Triumph: History of the Indian Navy 1965-75|last=Hiranandani|first=Gulab Mohanlal|publisher=Indian Navy|accessdate=2012-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314072520/http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/t2t2e/Trans2Trimph/start.htm |archive-date=2007-03-14}}</ref> ''Transition to Eminence'' captures naval history between 1976 and 1990 was published in 2004.<ref name=in-t2e>{{cite book|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/te/index.htm|title=Transition to Eminence: History of the Indian Navy 1976-90|last=Hiranandani|first=Gulab Mohanlal|publisher=Indian Navy|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref> ''Transition to Guardianship'' covers the history of the navy between 1991 and 2000 and was completed just before his death. It was released on Navy Day, 4 December 2009.{{cn|date=October 2020}}


Vice Admiral Hiranandani also wrote a number of analytical reports on a maritime security and strategic issues.<ref name=idr-hiranandani>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/author/Vice-Adm-(Retd)-GM-Hiranandani/1|title=Articles By Vice Adm (Retd) GM Hiranandani|publisher=Indian Defence Review|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref> and analysis reports. He was a mentor & guide to many generations of Naval officers. The Naval history cell in Naval headquarters was a place for many young officers to seek advice and guidance.
Hiranandani also wrote a number of analytical reports on a maritime security and strategic issues.<ref name=idr-hiranandani>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/author/Vice-Adm-(Retd)-GM-Hiranandani/1|title=Articles By Vice Adm (Retd) GM Hiranandani|publisher=Indian Defence Review|accessdate=2012-01-19}}</ref> and analysis reports.
He served his Nation with distinction for 60 years from 1949 to 2009, working to the last day of his life as Officer on Special Duty to Naval Headquarters.
Very few can claim to have spent 60 years in service of their nation.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Vice Admiral Hiranandani was married to Susheel Hiranandani. His son, Dr Manik Hiranandani, is an eminent physician. His daughter, [[Meera Sanyal]], was a well-known banker and civil society activist.<ref name=hindu-cremated/>
Hiranandani was married to Susheel Hiranandani. His son is a physician and his daughter, [[Meera Sanyal]], was a banker and civil society activist.<ref name=hindu-cremated/>


==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
{{Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hiranandani, Gulab Mohanlal}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hiranandani, Gulab Mohanlal}}
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian Navy admirals]]
[[Category:Vice chiefs of Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Sindhi people]]
[[Category:Deputy chiefs of Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Indian Navy vice admirals]]
[[Category:Indian Sindhi people]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Nau Sena Medal]]

Revision as of 21:51, 25 August 2024

Vice Admiral

G M Hiranandani

PVSM, AVSM, NM
Born29 June 1931
Karachi, Sindh, British India
(Present day:
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan)
Died1 September 2009(2009-09-01) (aged 78)
Malakkara, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India
Allegiance India
Service / branchIndian Navy
Years of service1949–1989
Rank Vice Admiral
CommandsSouthern Naval Command
INS Rajput (D51)
INS Dronacharya
INS Tir
Battles / warsIndo-Pakistani War of 1971
Awards Param Vishisht Seva Medal
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Nausena Medal
Other workMember, UPSC 1989–1995
Official Historian, Indian Navy 1995–2009;
Author, Transition to Triumph
Author, Transition to Eminence
Author, Transition to Guardianship

Vice Admiral Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani, PVSM, AVSM, NM (29 June 1931 – 1 September 2009) was a former flag officer in the Indian Navy. He served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff from 1987 to 1989. Prior to that, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command. He was the Commissioning Commanding Officer of the INS Rajput (D51), the lead vessel of the Rajput class destroyers. He was awarded the Nausena Medal for gallantry during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.

Hiranandani is also credited with the detailed planning of the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala and INS Kadamba in Karwar, the foundation stones for which were laid during his tenure as flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command. During his tenure all Naval Training was centralized under the southern Naval Command. A brilliant tactician, his work remains pivotal to Indian naval training on maneuvers and operational tactics.

After retirement, Hiranandani served on the Union Public Service Commission. Later, he was appointed the Official Historian of the Indian Navy. He authored three landmark books on Indian naval history, Transition to Triumph, Transition to Eminence and Transition to Guardianship. These books covered the history of the Indian Navy from 1965 to 2000.

Service career

Hiranandani joined the Royal Indian Navy in 1949. He trained with the Royal Navy, between 1949 and 1953. He underwent specialized training in Gunnery and Missiles in 1957.[1] In 1965, he attended the Naval Staff College at Royal Naval College, Greenwich.[2] He held a Master's degree in Military Science and a doctorate in Political Science.

In 1961, he was appointed the Commandant of INS Dronacharya, and was promoted to commander on 30 June 1969.[3]

During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Hiranandani served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. In this role, he led the detailed planning and logistics for key naval operations. He was awarded the Nau Sena Medal for his role in planning and implementing of Operation Trident and Operation Python.[4]

Hiranandani served as the Deputy Director Weapons policy & tactics (1968-1970) where he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Missile boats used in Operation Python & Operation Trident. He developed the tactics on how to deploy them in War. During his Tenure as Commanding officer INS TIR (1970-1971) he developed & tested methods of towing the short range missile boats from Vizag in Bombay in heavy seas during the monsoon of 1971. These techniques were then used to tow the missile boats near Karachi harbour to be used as Missile delivery Vehicles with devastating effect. He was appointed the Director of Combat Policy and Tactics (DCPT), serving from 1974 to 1977. He was a deep thinker and brilliant tactician. His work on naval strategy remains the basis for much of the tactical training and operational maneuvers of the Indian Navy. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for this contribution. Hiranandani was promoted substantive captain on 1 January 1976.[5] In 1980, he commissioned INS Rajput (D51), the lead vessel of the Rajput class destroyers as its first Commanding Officer.[6]

Flag rank

Hiranandani was appointed the Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command in 1981, with promotion to rear admiral on 7 May 1981.[7] Promoted Vice Admiral on 30 June 1983,[8] he was appointed the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff the same year. During this time he laid the foundation for the Project 15 Class of Stealth Guided Missile destroyers. He worked in close co-ordination with the DRDO & Bharat Electricals to indigenously design the electronics and Missile systems required for our new Warships. He was instrumental in putting together a long ship building plan which gave The Indian Navy the capability to be self sufficient in building its own up to date warships and missiles.

In 1985, Hiranandani was appointed the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Southern Naval Command. During his tenure in this office, he led the detailed planning for the development of the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala. He was also involved in the planning of INS Kadamba in Karwar, Karnataka. He was instrumental in persuading the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Karnataka to transfer the land for these massive projects to the navy.[4] He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) for these contributions.

In 1987, he was appointed the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS).[9] While serving as the VCNS, he was involved in Operation Cactus - 1988 Maldives coup d'état attempt. He was the officiating CNS on 3rd November 1988 when the operation was launched as the CNS was out of the country. He was part of the apex level planning of the operation, in which several warships of the Indian Navy participated. Hiranandani retired from active service in the Indian Navy in 1989.[10]

Military offices
Preceded by Vice Chief of the Naval Staff
1987-1989 		Succeeded by
S. C. Chopra
Preceded by
K. K. Nayyar
 Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command
1984-1987 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Subimal Mookerjee
 Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff
1983-1984 		Succeeded by
S. Jain

Later contributions

After retirement from the Navy, Hiranandani served as a member of the Union Public Service Commission for six years between 1989 and 1995. He retired as the commission's Acting Chairman.

In 1995, he was appointed the Official Historian of the Indian Navy. He authored a trilogy on the history of the Indian Navy. Transition to Triumph covering the period between 1965 and 1975 was published in 1999.[11] Transition to Eminence captures naval history between 1976 and 1990 was published in 2004.[12] Transition to Guardianship covers the history of the navy between 1991 and 2000 and was completed just before his death. It was released on Navy Day, 4 December 2009.[citation needed]

Hiranandani also wrote a number of analytical reports on a maritime security and strategic issues.[13] and analysis reports.

Personal life

Hiranandani was married to Susheel Hiranandani. His son is a physician and his daughter, Meera Sanyal, was a banker and civil society activist.[4]

References

  1. ^ Hiranandani, Gulab Mohanlal (Spring 2002). "The Indian End of the Telescope: India and Its Navy". Naval War College Review. LV (2). Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  2. ^ "Hiranandani, Page 2". Dal Sabzi for the Aatman. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  3. ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 17 January 1970. p. 88.
  4. ^ a b c "Vice-Admiral Hiranandani cremated with full Naval honours". The Hindu. 3 September 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  5. ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 31 July 1976. p. 1059.
  6. ^ "Vice-Admiral G M Hiranandani passes away". Deccan Herald. 4 September 2009. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  7. ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 29 January 1983. p. 139.
  8. ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 4 August 1984. p. 1306.
  9. ^ "NEW VICE CHIEF OF NAVY" (PDF). archive.pib.gov.in. 28 November 1987. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  10. ^ "NEW VICE CHIEF TAKES OVER" (PDF). archive.pib.gov.in. 28 February 1989. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  11. ^ Hiranandani, Gulab Mohanlal. Transition to Triumph: History of the Indian Navy 1965-75. Indian Navy. Archived from the original on 14 March 2007. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  12. ^ Hiranandani, Gulab Mohanlal. Transition to Eminence: History of the Indian Navy 1976-90. Indian Navy. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  13. ^ "Articles By Vice Adm (Retd) GM Hiranandani". Indian Defence Review. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
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