Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal, AVSM, PTM, TM suffers a fatal heart attack

• Was in Chennai to attend a formal event of ICG
• Mortal remains to be brought to Delhi

New Delhi. 18 August 2024.  Indian Coast Guard suffered a great tragedy as it’s incumbent Director General Rakesh Pal, AVSM, PTM, TM, the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, left the mortal world after suffering a fatal attack in Chennai today. He was in the city as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was inaugurating the newly-constructed state-of-the-art Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre building. The force lost a dedicated and highly respected leader, whose untimely death has left a void in the Indian Coast Guard and the broader maritime security community.

Born in 1967 in Uttar Pradesh, Rakesh Pal’s journey in uniform began when he joined the Indian Naval Academy, later becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. He was a distinguished alumnus, having undergone professional specialization in Gunnery & Weapons Systems at the Indian Naval School Dronacharya in Kochi and further honed his expertise in Electro-Optics Fire Control Solutions in the United Kingdom. He was proud to be recognized as the first Gunner of the Indian Coast Guard.

Throughout his 34-year career, Director General Pal held numerous key appointments both at sea and on land. His leadership was instrumental during his time as Commander of the Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar, as Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans), and later as Additional Director General at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi. He commanded all classes of Indian Coast Guard ships, including ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijit, ICGS Sucheta Kriplani, ICGS Ahalyabai, and ICGS C-03. He also played a crucial role in overseeing Coast Guard operations in the forward areas of Gujarat, commanding the bases at Okha and Vadinar.

In February 2022, Rakesh Pal was promoted to the rank of Additional Director General, and by February 2023, he was entrusted with the additional charge of Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. Under his exceptional leadership, the Coast Guard successfully executed several major operations, including the seizure of narcotics and gold worth crores of rupees, the rescue of mariners during severe cyclonic storms, and joint exercises with foreign coast guards. His tenure also saw significant contributions to coastal security, anti-poaching operations, and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters.

For his remarkable service and dedication, Director General Rakesh Pal was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), President Tatrakshak Medal (PTM), and Tatrakshak Medal (TM).

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Rakesh Pal was an ardent music lover and an avid sports enthusiast. He was a devoted family man, survived by his wife, Mrs. Dipa Pal, and their two daughters, Snehal and Tarushi.

Director General Rakesh Pal’s legacy will live on in the Indian Coast Guard and in the hearts of all who knew him. His commitment to the nation, his exemplary leadership, and his unwavering dedication to duty will be remembered with deep respect and admiration.