Pics: Abhijith n Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Dec 16: Portraits of Gen Sunith F Fernandes, Air Chief Marshal L M Katre and Capt Omkar Nath Rao were unveiled at the Konkani wall of fame at World Konkani Centre (WKC) in Mangaluru on Friday, December 16.
Col G V Rao, father of Capt Omkar, unveiled the portraits along with Nandagopal Shenoy, president, WKC, Gilbert D'Souza, vice president WKC, Giridhar Kamath, secretary, BR Bhat and trustees of WKC.
In his speech Col Rao said, “I and my family are grateful to WKC for this noble gesture which is giving space to my martyred son in its hall of fame. It will help our generation to know the sacrifice of one of our community members for the nation. My son Omkar did his primary schooling in Narayana Guru High school, Urwa. He was commissioned into the army when we were in Pune. By behaviour, he was very mischievous and brave. Within three years of army service, he was promoted to the rank of captain. But unfortunately, three days after his promotion, he attained martyrdom for the nation. At the time of patrolling, he was attacked and he breathed his last. But before leaving us, he killed one among the attackers. Another was injured largely and the last one managed to escape. But I am a proud father of a martyred army personal and today I am honoured at WKC with the memories of my brave son.”
Gilbert D'Souza said, “We have added three prominent personality’s portraits in our hall of fame. We are proud of Gen Sunith F Fernandes, Air Chief Marshal L M Katre and Capt Omkar Nath Rao who served our nation with bravery. We can say they are the jewels of the Konkani community. Definitely, our future generation will be inspired by them.”
Nandagopal Shenoy welcomed the dignitaries and gathering.
Artists Ramdas Shivguru and Sapna D'Souza were felicitated by the dignitaries for the wonderful portraits.
Guru Baliga, CEO, WKC compered the event.
Gen Sunith Francis Rodrigues
Gen Sunith Francis Rodrigues was born in Bombay in 1933. He was educated at St Xavier's High School, Fort in Bombay.
Rodrigues joined the Joint Services Wing of the Indian Military Academy in 1949 and was commissioned on December 28, 1952 into the Regiment of Artillery. After serving in several field and self-propelled artillery units he applied for pilot training in the Air Observation Post of the Artillery in 1964 and qualified as an artillery aviation pilot. Between 1964 and 1969, he logged more than 158 flying hours on observation aircraft and helicopters, including 65 hours of combat flying during the 1965 war in which his unit logged on more than 56 precision artillery fire to effect on enemy formations. He later served as a GSO I operations of a division from 1973 to 1975.
As a Brigadier, he commanded a mountain infantry brigade in a high altitude sector from 1975 to 1977. Post this, Rodrigues attended the 1978 course at Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom. He was Chief Instructor at Defence Services Staff College from 1979 to November 1981.
Rodrigues was then promoted to the rank of Major General and then took over the command of a division in a high altitude area. In 1982, he was awarded the master's degree in Defence Studies. He then served as the Chief of Staff of a Corps from 1983 to September 1985 after which he took over as Director General Military Training
After promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General, Rodrigues took command of a corps in the Northern Sector in 1986.
He was Vice Chief of Army Staff from November 1987 to April 1989 and then General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command from April 1989 to October 1989. He then took over Western Command from November 1, 1989 to June 30, 1990 and was the Chief of Army Staff from 1990 to 1993. He retired on June 30, 1993 after nearly 41 years of service.
Rodrigues was appointed Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh on November 8, 2004, and he was sworn into office on November 16, 2004. Rodrigues died at the Manipal Hospital in Dona Paula on March 4, 2022, at the age of 88.
Air Chief Marshal Lakshman Madhav Khatre
L M Katre was born in Madras on January 26, 1927. LM Katre joined as an officer cadet on August 3, 1944. He was granted emergency Commission in the RIAF in the General Duties (Pilot) branch on April 9, 1945. He was granted permanent commission on April 26, 1947. He completed the No. 105 All-Purpose Flying Instructors Course at UK between April to October 1948.
In his career in the Indian Air Force, he commanded various operational squadrons, stations and the Air Force Academy with distinction. During the 1971 war, he successfully conducted uninterrupted operations from one of our most forward airfields and one, which was regularly attacked by the PAF.
As the Commandant of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, he expanded the facilities to cater for the training of Ground duty officers. Flying activity at the base was successfully reoriented for advance training on jet aircraft and an excellent safety record was achieved during his tenure.
On completion of the Royal College of Defence Studies Course in England in 1976, he was appointed Senior Air Staff officer of a major Air Command. Under his direction, the operational effectiveness of the forces in the command increased manifold. With his wide experience of fighter flying he was able to conduct various air exercises which simulated realistic battle conditions. He was appointed as the Chief of Air Staff on September 4, 1984. He died while in service, on July 1, 1985
Capt Omkar Nath Rao
Capt Omkar Nath Rao was born in a military family hailing from Bangalore. Son of an army officer, Col GV Rao, Capt Omkar Nath always had the passion for Army life and wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father. Following his dream, he joined the Officers Training Academy and was commissioned into 22 Maratha Li of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment known for its rich history of valour and various battle honours.
Capt Omkar Nath after his tenure in Siachen for six months had joined his battalion in the Uri Sector on the March 4, 2000. On the March 11, Capt Omkar Nath was tasked to lead a patrol in the Uri sector along the LOC. This part of LOC is very volatile and Pakistani forces often resort to unprovoked firing to give cover fire to infiltrators coming from across the border. As the Army patrol teams keep a very tight vigil along the LOC, the militants often plan surprise attacks on the patrol teams to make a successful infiltration bid. On that day, when the patrol team led by Capt Omkar Nath reached Dardkote forward post, it came under attack by the militants hiding in the area.
Capt Omkar Nath and his troops immediately swung into action and took tactical positions to repulse the attack. A fierce gun battle followed with a heavy exchange of fire. Capt Omkar Nath in a show of courage and leadership killed a militant and a Pakistani regular. However, during the exchange of fire Capt Omkar Nath got hit by bullets and was severely injured. He later succumbed to his injuries and was martyred at the young age of 26 years. Capt Omkar Nath was a committed soldier and a fine officer, who laid down his life in the service of the nation.
Capt Omkar Nath Rao was given the gallantry award, ‘Sena Medal’ for his courage, fighting spirit and supreme sacrifice on Vijay Diwas, December 16, 2000.