Nation Pays Tribute to Late Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal

Minister Sanjay Seth and senior defence officials paid their respects to Indian Coast Guard Chief Rakesh Pal, who passed away from a cardiac arrest in Chennai on August 18. Pal, lauded for his leadership, was honored with heartfelt tributes at Brar Square, Delhi, and across the nation.

In a solemn ceremony at Brar Square, Delhi, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, along with other senior officials, paid their last respects to the late Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Rakesh Pal, on Monday. Pal passed away in Chennai on August 18 due to a cardiac arrest.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was among those who honored the memory of Rakesh Pal at the ceremony. Despite immediate medical intervention at Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in Chennai, Pal could not be saved.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also paid their respects to the fallen officer in Chennai. Expressing grief, Singh wrote on X, 'Pal was an able and committed officer under whose leadership the ICG was making significant strides in strengthening India's maritime security.'

Condolences poured in from various quarters, including the Indian Army. General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Army expressed their sorrow through a social media post, standing in solidarity with Pal's bereaved family. Pal, who became the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard in July last year, had a distinguished career and was an alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy.

He joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989 and underwent professional specialization in gunnery and weapons systems. For his exemplary service, Pal was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013 and the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2018.