1. With profound grief and sorrow we regret to inform you all regarding the sad and untimely demise of Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak (01008 R) (PNE-0251) who left for heavenly abode at his residence on the evening of 06th June. He had been ailing for a short while.

2. Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak was from the 33rd course, NDA and specialised in Navigation & Direction. He has served on the Eastern and Western theatre. During 1971 war, he was part of the minesweeping operations carried out post the 1971 War to make the harbour safe for Navigation of our Eastern Fleet ships especially INS Vikrant. He also served on board Amba and a few more frontline warships. Cdr Pathak commanded the missile boat INS Veer in 1979-80. Amongst his shore appointments he commanded INS Kardip. He had also been a Squadron Commander of A Sqdn at NDA in the 1980s. His last appointment in the Navy was as CIO at HQ WNC prior to his retirement in Nov 1989.

3. Following his distinguished service in the Indian Navy and later in the Merchant Navy, Cdr Pathak chose the path of social service in his retirement years. Since joining the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) in 2010, he was a tireless advocate for veterans’ rights:

4. Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak’s lifelong dedication to the welfare of veterans and war widows exemplifies service beyond uniform, making him a respected and inspirational figure in the ex servicemen community. He worked tirelessly, interacting with Naval Pension Office (NAVPEN), PCDA Allahabad, Naval Pay Office and other relevant organisations vigorously for resolving issues of pension, post retirement benefits, medical entitlements, etc. of living veteran officers / sailors and families of deceased ones. He had been commended on numerous occasion and his contribution to Veteran welfare was recognised by presentation of awards. The most recent being by the CNS at the recently held GCM at Kochi in Apr 26.

5. On behalf of the President and all members of NFPC, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his wife (NOK), Mrs Warsha Pathak, his son Kedar, Daughter Sangeeta and the bereaved family.

6. We pray that the Almighty grants strength and fortitude to the family to bear this irreparable loss and that the departed soul rests in eternal peace.

7. Funeral and Last rites were conducted on 06 June  at Vaikunth Shamshanbhumi, Sadashiv Peth, Deccan, Pune. A large number of Veterans, Family members and friends from all three services had assembled to give the Veteran a befitting farewell, showing his immense popularity amongst the Defence community. Wreaths were laid on behalf of Members of NFPC, CinC West and for CNS by President NFPC.

Condolences/ NOK : Mrs Warsha Pathak (Wife); Ms Sangeeta (Daughter); Kedar Pathak (Son)