‘We are proud that our Satish has become Vice-Chief of Indian Navy’

 

 

A few days ago, when Vice-Admiral Satish Namdev Ghormade, AVSM, NM, assumed charge as the Vice-Chief of Naval Staff, Katol tehsil in Nagpur district had a reason to celebrate. For, village Ladgaon in Katol tehsil of Nagpur district is native place of the Ghormade family. “We are proud that our nephew has become Vice-Chief of the Indian Navy. His appointment has added feather to the cap of Katol tehsil. Many people called the family. Our family has gained prominence,” said Purushottam Ghormade, uncle of Vice-Admiral S N Ghormade, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’. Nilesh Ridhorkar, a resident of Ladgaon and with whose family Ghormades have cordial relations, said that the residents were so happy and proud that they are planning to organise a ceremony for public felicitation of Vice-Admiral S N Ghormade soon. Vice-Admiral S N Ghormade’s father Namdevrao is retired Master Warrant Officer, Indian Air Force (IAF). Namdevrao Ghormade was born in Ladgaon, where he studied up to Std IV. Then, he stayed at his maternal uncle Gawande’s place in Katol, studied at B R High School, Katol up to Std X.

 

Later on, he studied at Nagpur, from where he got selected in the IAF and then shifted to Mumbai. However, he maintained the connect with not only Ladgaon but also Katol. At both these places, Ghormade family had houses. The family also has a farm at Panwadi in Katol tehsil. According to Purushottam Ghormade, Vice-Admiral S N Ghormade used to accompany his father Namdevrao whenever the latter visited Ladgaon and Katol. Vice-Admiral Satish Ghormade has an elder brother and two sisters. The elder brother Shailesh retired from Air India and is now working at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. Of the two sisters, Dr Shubhangi Sada Dumre stays in Pune, and another sister Vibha is in the US. Sharing some family memories, Purushottam Ghormade recalled, “Some 20 of us relatives from Katol had gone to Pune to attend wedding ceremony of Satish. We were fortunate to have been there. For, on July 31, 1991, flood had swept Katol and nearby areas and Mowad.” Purushottam Ghormade resides at Ladgaon in the house of his cousin brother Namdevrao, father of Vice-Admiral S N Ghormade.

 

At Namdevrao’s Katol residence, his real younger Dinanath’s family stays. Vice-Admiral S N Ghormade is an alumni of National Defence Academy, Naval Staff College at the United States Naval War College, and Naval War College, Mumbai. He was commissioned in the Indian Navy on January 1, 1984, and is a Navigation and Direction specialist. He has had extensive operational tenures onboard frontline warships of the Indian Navy. During his career spanning over 37 years, he has been through several operational and staff appointments. His important operational appointments include Commands of Guided Missile Frigate INS Brahmaputra, Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak, and Minesweeper INS Alleppey, and Second-in-Command of Guided Missile Frigate INS Ganga. It may be mentioned that INS Nireekshak was awarded the Unit Citation for the first time during his command.

 

The officer also held the coveted appointments of Flag Officer Commanding, Karnataka Naval Area; and Flag Officer Commanding, Maharashtra Naval Area. As Vice Admiral, he has held the coveted appointments of Director General Naval Operations, Chief of Staff Eastern Naval Command, and Controller Personnel Services. He was holding the tri-service appointment of Deputy Chief (Operations & Training) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, prior to taking over as Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal on January 26, 2017 and Nausena Medal in 2007 by the President of India, and Commendation by the Chief of the Naval Staff in 2000.