Satyindra Singh 8212; an admirable Admiral

In his own words, he was part of an era of progress 8220;from coal-fired ships to gas-turbines, from conventional armament to guided missiles, from communicating by pigeons to present-day satellites 8230;I saw them all.8221;

Two important appointments which he held were in the Cabinet Secretariat and the Joint Intelligence committee. Almost 12 years 8212; a third of his service span 8212; was in the Cabinet Secretariat during Prime Minister Nehru8217;s time. He was in the military wing of the secretariat which dealt with all higher defence matters. For the last seven years of service, he headed the Joint Intelligence Committee 8212; a post where he could contribute to the system with his wide and varied experience.

He authored two books which form a major link between pre- and post-Independence Indian Navy, Under Two Ensigns and Blueprint to Bluewater. Besides these, he was a prolific writer with a vast knowledge of military history 8212; not merely confined to the Navy.

As a columnist, he wrote for a number of magazines and mainstream newspapers, often scathingly on politicians, politics and matters of human interest. His wit and sense of humour often had readers or listeners in peals of laughter.

Another major contribution of his was for ex-servicemen whose interests he pursued with single-minded devotion. They are amongst very many other who will miss him.

The writer was formerly the Press Relations Officer of the Armed forces.