Admiral R Hari Kumar took over as the next chief of Indian naval staff on Tuesday from Admiral Karam Bir Singh who has retired after a 30-month tenure.
The taking over ceremony saw some poignant moments as Admiral Hari Kumar touched his mother's feet and took her blessing before taking over as the Navy chief.
Kumar played a crucial role in the basic formulation of the theatre command structures as part of the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters. Born on April 12, 1962, Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar was commissioned on January 1, 1983, into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy.
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During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 39 years, he has served in a variety of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar`s Sea Command includes INS Nishank, Missile Corvette, INS Kora and Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvir.
He also commanded Indian Navy`s Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat.
Hari Kumar handed over the charge of Western Naval Command to Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh at a ceremony held on Monday.