Indian Coast Guard DG Rakesh Pal Dies Aged 59. A Look At His Career

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Rakesh Pal, an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, began his service with the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989.

Rakesh Pal, the Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard, tragically passed away in Chennai on Sunday at the age of 59. He suffered a cardiac arrest, while in the city for an official function that was to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Rakesh Pal, who became the 25th Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in July 2023, had a distinguished career, spanning about 35 years. His achievements included serving in key roles such as Commander Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar, Deputy Director General (Policy and Planning), and Additional Director General at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi. His career was marked by significant contributions to the ICG, and his leadership was widely respected in the maritime community.

Rakesh Pal, an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, began his service with the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989. His training included gunnery and weapons instruction at the Indian Naval School Dronacharya in Kochi, as well as an electro-optics fire control solution course in the United Kingdom. His extensive training and expertise in these areas earned him the distinction of being the first gunner of the Indian Coast Guard.

Rakesh Pal’s career in the Indian Coast Guard was marked by extensive sea experience and leadership in numerous important roles. He commanded a variety of ICG ships, including ICGS Samarth, ICGS Vijay, ICGS Sucheta Kriplani, ICGS Ahilyabai, and ICGS C-03. He also held command at two coast guard bases in Gujarat, Okha and Vadinar. His exemplary service was recognised with the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President’s Tatrakshak Medal in 2018. Many big operations were conducted under the supervision of Rakesh Pal. In one operation, drugs and gold worth crores of rupees were seized under his leadership. Apart from this, the rescue operation of sailors in a severe cyclone was also much talked about. Joint operations with the Foreign Coast Guard also took place during his tenure.

Rakesh Pal was not only dedicated to his professional career but also had a love for music and a keen interest in sports. He was married to Deepa Pal and had two daughters, Snehal and Tarushi.