Captain Sridhar Tata, a distinguished naval officer and alumnus of Sainik School Korukonda, is poised to commission the Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, in Kaliningrad, Russia. This significant event on July 1 will mark Captain Sridhar as the first alumnus from his school to command a frigate-class warship during a foreign induction, highlighting a moment of pride for both his alma mater and the defence community in Andhra Pradesh.
Sainik School Korukonda, located in the tranquil town of Korukonda in Vizianagaram district, is renowned for nurturing some of India’s finest military leaders since its establishment in 1961. The institution boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including Lt Gen K. Surendra Nath and Vice Admiral M.S. Pawar, along with the late Col. B. Santosh Babu who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Galwan clash. Captain Sridhar’s commissioning is a testament to his years of dedication and commitment to military service.
Originating from Srikakulam district, Captain Sridhar’s family holds a notable legacy in defence—it includes a lineage of service in the armed forces. With over 26 years of service in the Indian Navy, Captain Sridhar has an extensive operational background that spans 12 different warships, including command over three. His participation in pivotal operations, such as Operation Vijay during the Kargil conflict, Operation Parakram following the Parliament attack, and various maritime security missions, underscores his leadership capabilities. He also played a crucial role as a founding member of the Maritime Security Wing in the National Security Council Secretariat under National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
The INS Tamal, the frigate he is set to commission, belongs to the Krivak class of stealth frigates and is expected to be the last complete warship imported by India, in alignment with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Built in Kaliningrad, the vessel boasts advanced technology, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, sophisticated communication systems, and Russian-origin Shtil vertical launch surface-to-air missiles.
As Captain Sridhar leads a dedicated team of 250 personnel for the commissioning of INS Tamal, his achievement has resonated with pride among peers and mentors from Sainik School Korukonda. His family’s military tradition—his father and father-in-law in the Indian Air Force, along with numerous high-ranking military relatives—adds further weight to his achievements.
As INS Tamal prepares to integrate into the Indian Navy fleet, this milestone not only reflects Captain Sridhar’s personal journey from Korukonda to Kaliningrad but also serves as an emblem of the vital role that Sainik Schools play in shaping India’s future defence leaders. His story is one of institutional pride and a commitment to the nation, exemplifying the qualities that drive the country’s defense forces.
