The Man Who Bombed Karachi

Book by : Admiral S.M.Nanda

1. About The Author Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda (1915-2009) was born in
Manora, Karachi, on 10 October 1915. The Admiral started his career as an officer in the Royal
Indian Navy and eventually rose the ranks of the Indian Navy to attain the zenith as the Chief of
Naval Staff in March 1970, holding the prestigious position till February 1973. During his tenure he
helped the nation to sail gloriously through various tensions with Pakistan After he hung up his
boots, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Shipping Corporation of India. He
was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan in 1972. The Admiral took his last breath in New Delhi
on 11 May 2009 cause he was suffering from an ailment. His last rites were performed the very
next day and were cremated with full military honours befitting a former chief of the Indian Navy.
The Admiral played a remarkable role in the 1971 war for the liberation of Bangladesh, to contrive
tactics to neutralize Pakistan navy.

2. About The Book The book brings out a well-structured narration by the author of
his childhood at Manora Island off Karachi where he was born. The initial chapters of the book,
delves the reader from the author’s childhood to the youth. The Admiral on completion of his high
school, worked at the Port and Pilotage Department prior joining the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) and
was commissioned as an acting sub lieutenant in the Royal Indian Naval Volunteer Reserve on 11
Oct 41.

3. The book highlights the detailed account of his experiences during his distinguished career
in the Navy, which lasted 32 years and also about his subsequent tenure as the Commodore of
the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). The reader gets enlightened with the first-hand
information on the ‘Royal Indian Navy Mutiny’ which is mentioned in great detail in Chapter 3 of
the book. It narrates the author’s tenure at the Signal School, HMIS Talwar, at Mumbai. The
author also shares his experiences with eminent personalities during his visit to various countries.
Chapter 9 of the book gives an insight on the evolvement of the nation’s capability in ship building,
as the author narrates the numerous hurdles which he had to face as the Managing Director,
Mazagon Docks, and how he efficiently accomplished the assigned tasks.

4. The book tells the readers about the evolvement of the 1971 conflict with Pakistan, the
detailed preparation, planning and execution of the Naval power by the Indian government during
the conflict and how effectively these resulted in the victory of the nation thereby rendering Navy a
formidable force which was neglected till then. Starting from chapters 12 to 15 of the book it takes
the reader deeper into the conflict which offers interesting reading even to a layman with the help
of different illustrations and photographs. The battle at sea which was fought in both Arabian sea
and Bay of Bengal are discussed in detail with interesting narrations including different tactics
used during the battle.

5. In the later part of the book, the author also gives out suggestive measures for the future
Indian Navy. It is felt that, the book has hugely succeeded in providing a deep insight to the
achievements of Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda(Retd.) PVSM, AVSM. The reader surely
derive a feeling that, the author has also endeavoured, to a certain extent; to clarify certain details
pertaining to his reputation, especially his post retirement life. Since then, till 1971, Nanda tried to
explain to Indian and foreign dignitaries alike that it was in India's best interests to take the navy
seriously. He was one of the masterminds behind the rise of the Mazagon docks and in an age
when involving the private sector in defence was abomination, got the Mahindra and Mahindra to
contribute to India's shipbuilding industry.

6. When the US navy ship USS Enterprise reached the Malacca Straits and took preparation
before entering the Bay of Bengal, it was clear that coercion and diplomacy were both at work.
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked him whether he thought that the US would go to war with
India. Nanda said he would order captains of Indian ships that if they came across American
vessels, "they should exchange identities and invite them for a drink". Later in a conversation with
Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, commander of the US Navy who had a celebrated difference of opinion
with Henry Kissinger on how far America should go in preventing India from attacking Pakistan,
Zumwalt told Nanda that his instructions would have helped avoid any inadvertent confrontation in
the region, indicating this could have been a possibility.

7. The Admiral played an ambitions bigger role for the Indian Navy. But in the true tradition of
a soldier, he passed his baton to some of those who demeaned his efforts. The book also
enlightens the readers with numerous achievements of the author during his tenures as the Flag
Officer Commanding Indian Fleet (FOCIF) and FOC-in-C West. The victory in the war led to the
transformation of a single day celebration of the Navy day to a weeklong ‘Navy Week’ celebration
leading to mega events including review of the Indian Fleet by the President of India in 1969 is one
among them. On page 158, the author states that, 45 warships, eight merchant ships, five Coast
Guard ships and India’s first submarine (INS Khanderi) were on parade during the fleet review on
28 Dec 1969. The reader could be surprised after knowing that the formal constitution of the Indian
Coast Guard was on 01 Feb 1977. The book takes the readers to a new dimension where it make
the reader comprehend the tension that was created during 1971 war and the measures that was
taken to deal with neighbouring foes. This dramatic structure of the book makes it a must read
book for the readers which will rejuvenate both the crème de la crème and the hoi polloi of the
nation.

Ritwik Ghose
Lieutenant
53295-Z