Thread by @srikantkesnur

Dear Tweeple, today, 25 May, marks the 98th birth anniversary of one of Indian Navy's greatest icons. Admiral Ronald Lynsdale Pereira, or ‘Ronnie P’ as he is popularly referred to, was undoubtedly one of the most loved and widely respected Chiefs (CNS) of the Indian Navy. Born on

2/n. 25 May 1923, the Admiral was renowned not only for his exceptional leadership qualities but also kindness of heart. His towering integrity, resilience, hard-work & an infectious personality was to make a huge & lasting positive effect on many in the Navy as well as those

3/n. from the Army and the Air Force. Incidentally, the Admiral was commissioned into the Navy as a reserve officer on his 20th birthday on 25 May 1943 during WW II. After the war, he served with distinction in many of the navy’s premier ships and establishments. He commanded

4/n. INS Delhi, the Eastern Fleet, the Western Command & was the Vice Chief of Naval Staff among other assignments. However, it was as the ‘Deputy Commandant’ at the National Defence Academy, Pune in the 1970s that he was able to render exceptional service in training officer

5/n. cadets of the tri-services into becoming greater leaders of men. The effects of that training still remain imprinted on the hearts and minds of many of those veterans today who passed out of the portals of NDA four decades ago and under Admiral Ronnie Pereira’s watch.

6/n. It was on 01 Mar 1979 that Admiral Ronnie Pereira was appointed as the 10th Chief (CNS) of the Indian Navy. His single-minded focus in his three years as Chief was towards ‘consolidation of the naval service’ in order to enhance operational capabilities. Apart from this,

7/n. he as Chairman COSC worked towards betterment of service conditions of military personnel & was able to persuade the Govt to grant entitled rations, increase allowances, augment accommodation for military personnel & defence civilians, housing needs for veterans & such like.

8/n. Overall, Admiral Pereira was able to make a lasting & positive effect on the fabric of the Indian Armed Forces & he lives on in collective memory. Interestingly, on the eve of the Admiral’s retirement from the posts of the CNS & COSC, the Govt of India put out a special

9/n. press release with the heading “NAVY BIDS ADIEU TO ITS MOST DISTINGUISHED SAILOR”. The excerpt of the press release read Quote “Admiral Pereira endeavoured to build a three dimensional blue water navy with a greater punch capability. By his forthright and pragmatic approach,

10/n. he aroused National consciousness for the rapid development of a credible Navy which is imperative for the defense of the country’s growing maritime interests. A dedicated sailor, Admiral Pereira is held in great esteem by the rank and file of the Indian Navy for his

11/n. great qualities of head and heart.” Unquote
Recently, there have been also two books written on the Admiral by a former cadet/ retired Army Brigadier, as well as, a serving Navy Commander. Both are rich with detail, make for compelling reading & are highly recommended.

12/n. The links of their respective books are as below.
‘The Admiral I Knew’ by Brig Mike Bhalla
amazon.in/Admiral-knew-R…
'With Pride & Honour- Biography of Admiral R.L. Pereira, PVSM, AVSM by Cdr Anup Thomas
amazon.in/dp/8193600118/…

The Admiral after retirement & on invitation

13/n. of Naval authorities had delivered an inspirational speech on leadership to young officers at the Southern Naval Command in the early 1990s. This speech is being extensively used by the Navy’s officer training establishments to impart necessary qualities in young officers

14/n. for becoming leaders & that is shared in the YouTube link here.

Therefore, today is certainly a wonderful occasion to read up & hear Admiral Ronnie Pereira whether you are from the military or civilian, serving or retired. While I did not have the

15/n. Good fortune of ever serving with the Admiral or even meeting him, but many are the legends associated with Ronnie P. Of how as Captain of INS Delhi he inspired a boat (whaler) pulling team to pull again after they came first but in the wrong race. Wonder of wonders

16/n. They pulled again. And again they came first. Or of how as Deputy Commandant in NDA he would ruthlessly dole out Singarh hikes as punishment to errant Cadets but would often accompany them & arrange refreshments on top. Or of his care & concern for people less fortunate.

17/n. Vice Adm MP Awati, himself a Navy legend and just few years junior to Ronnie P once told me that the latter set highest standards of austerity & spartan behaviour. When he retired he had nothing but an old Lambretta scooter. He politely refused post retirement jobs and was

18/n. Happy to tend to his roses. His wife Phyllis Pereira was a wonderful character too - warm, affectionate & highly regarded by Naval Community. To know more about them read the books. Remembering Ronnie P with gratitude. Many thanks to Cdr Anup Thomas for inputs & photos.

19/n. Inviting Tweeple to share their own reminisces of this great personality.
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20/n. Thread Adm Ronnie Pereira.
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21/n. Thread Adm Ronnie Pereira.
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22/n. Thread Adm Ronnie Pereira.
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