Bhubaneswar: A memorial dedicated to Vice Admiral S. H. Sarma, PVSM, one of India’s most distinguished naval leaders, was formally inaugurated at Navy House here on Thursday. The memorial was unveiled by Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, marking a significant step towards preserving India’s post-Independence naval history and Odisha’s rich maritime legacy.
The Memorial Museum features a curated collection of photographs, artefacts, personal memorabilia, ship models and exhibits tracing the evolution of the Indian Navy after Independence. Addressing the gathering, the Mayor highlighted the enduring relevance of Admiral Sarma’s leadership and his immense contribution to national security. She emphasised that the memorial serves not only as a tribute to an outstanding naval officer but also as a source of civic pride and historical awareness for future generations.
Noted author and historian Anil Dhir spoke at length on Admiral Sarma’s pivotal role in India’s naval history, particularly his leadership of the Eastern Fleet during the 1971 War. He noted that Admiral Sarma’s distinguished career spanned three major conflicts—the Second World War, the 1965 conflict and the 1971 War—making him one of the rare naval officers globally to have witnessed and shaped such a long and transformative arc of maritime history. Dhir also underlined that Admiral Sarma, a proud son of Kalinga, symbolised the continuity of Odisha’s maritime tradition, linking the ancient seafarers of Kalinga with modern naval leadership in the Bay of Bengal.
Offering personal reflections, Captain Navin Chandra Sarma, Master Mariner and son of Vice Admiral Sarma, spoke about his father’s professional ethos, moral courage and lifelong commitment to service. Admiral Sarma’s grandson, Captain Anoj Sarma, highlighted his leadership qualities, strategic foresight and the values he embodied, which continue to inspire naval and maritime professionals.
The ceremony was attended by serving and veteran personnel from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Army, along with academicians, historians, students and eminent citizens. Speakers collectively underscored that the memorial stands as both a tribute to an exceptional life and a lasting reminder of India’s and Odisha’s maritime legacy and strategic vision.
The memorial also seeks to restore a largely forgotten narrative—that Odisha has produced seafarers of global significance and that India’s naval traditions are deeply rooted in its eastern seaboard as much as its western coast. In commemorating Vice Admiral S. H. Sarma, the memorial honours Kalinga’s enduring bond with the sea.
The memorial will be open to the public on Sundays from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Student groups may visit the museum with prior appointment and accompaniment by teachers.
