Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Admiral
R H Tahiliani
PVSM, AVSM
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| 6th Governor of Sikkim | |
| In office 8 February 1990 – 20 September 1994 |
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| Appointed by | President of India (then, R. Venkataraman) |
| Chief Minister | Nar Bahadur Bhandari Sanchaman Limboo |
| Preceded by | S. K. Bhatnagar |
| Succeeded by | P. Shiv Shankar |
| 28th Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee | |
| In office 1 February 1986 – 30 November 1987 |
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| President | Zail Singh (Acting) R. Venkataraman |
| Prime Minister | Rajiv Gandhi |
| Preceded by | A. S. Vaidya |
| Succeeded by | Denis La Fontaine |
| 11th Chief of the Naval Staff (India) | |
| In office 1 December 1984 – 30 November 1987 |
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| President | Zail Singh R. Venkataraman |
| Prime Minister | Rajiv Gandhi |
| Preceded by | O. S. Dawson |
| Succeeded by | J. G. Nandkarni |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 May 1930 |
| Died | 14 October 2015 (aged 85) |
| Spouse | Jaswanti Tahiliani |
| Children | 2, including Tarun Tahiliani |
| Nicknames | Tally Ho Ram T |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Branch/service |  Indian Navy |
| Years of service | 1950–1987 |
| Rank |   Admiral |
| Commands | Western Naval Command Southern Naval Command Western Fleet Goa Area INS Vikrant (1961) INS Trishul (1960) |
| Battles/wars | Liberation of Goa Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 |
| Awards |
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| Later work(s) |
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Admiral Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani (born May 12, 1930 – died October 14, 2015) was a very important officer in the Indian Navy. He was the 11th Chief of the Naval Staff. This is the highest position in the Indian Navy. He held this role from December 1, 1984, to November 30, 1987.
Before becoming the Navy Chief, he led many important naval commands. These included the Western Naval Command and the Southern Naval Command. He also led the Western Fleet. Admiral Tahiliani was a special kind of pilot. He flew planes that took off and landed on aircraft carriers. He even commanded the famous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
After leaving the Navy, Admiral Tahiliani became the Governor of Sikkim. He served in this role from 1990 to 1994. He also helped start the India branch of Transparency International. This is an organization that works to fight corruption around the world.
Contents
Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani joined the Indian Navy on September 1, 1950. He became a sub-lieutenant in 1952. He chose to join the Indian Naval Air Arm. This meant he would become a pilot for the Navy. He learned to fly planes that could land on ships.
He studied at important military colleges. These included the Naval War College in the United States. He also attended the National Defence College in New Delhi. He even became a test pilot, which means he tested new aircraft.
Flying and Commanding Ships
In 1960, he became a lieutenant-commander. He made history on May 18, 1961. He was the first naval pilot to land a plane on the deck of INS Vikrant. This was a big achievement for the Indian Navy. He flew a Hawker Sea Hawk fighter jet.
During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, he was a captain. He led the squadron of planes on INS Vikrant. Later, he became the commanding officer of two important ships. He commanded INS Trishul (1960) and then the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Becoming an Admiral
Admiral Tahiliani was promoted to rear admiral in 1977. He was put in charge of the Goa Area. Later, he became the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. This meant he was in charge of many warships.
He then held several high positions at the Naval Headquarters. He was the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff. Then he became the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff. He was promoted to Vice Admiral while in this role. In 1982, he became the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command. In 1983, he took charge of the Western Naval Command. In 1984, he became the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.
Finally, on December 1, 1984, he became the Chief of the Naval Staff. This made him the head of the entire Indian Navy. He retired from the Navy on November 30, 1987.
After his naval career, Admiral Tahiliani served as the Governor of Sikkim. This is a state in India. He was the Governor from February 8, 1990, to September 20, 1994. As Governor, he represented the President of India in the state.
He was also very involved in fighting corruption. In 1997, he helped start the India branch of Transparency International. This group works to make sure governments and organizations are honest. He was the chairman of this group in India until 2010. He also served on the main board of Transparency International. He also chaired a school board, Balvantray Mehta Vidya Bhawan Anguridevi Shersingh, in New Delhi.
Family Life
Admiral Tahiliani was from a Sindhi Hindu family. He was married to Jaswanti Tahiliani. His wife was special because she was the first female engineer in Mumbai. They had two children. One of their children is Tarun Tahiliani, a famous Indian fashion designer. Admiral Tahiliani passed away on October 14, 2015.
Awards and Honors
Admiral Tahiliani received several important awards for his excellent service.
- He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. This is a very high award for special service.
- He also received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. This award is given for distinguished service.
Images for kids
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Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon
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Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon
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India General Service Medal 1947 ribbon
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Samar Seva Star ribbon
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Paschimi Star ribbon
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Raksha Medal ribbon
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Sangram Medal ribbon
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Sainya Seva Medal ribbon
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25th Independence Anniversary Medal ribbon
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30 Years Long Service Medal ribbon
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20 Years Long Service Medal ribbon
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9 Years Long Service Medal ribbon
