دانلود کتاب A Sailor's Story: An Autobiography

Vice Admiral Nilakanta Krishnan (1919 to 1982) was one of the most decorated officers in the Indian Armed Forces. After 40 years of distinguished service in the Indian Navy, 17 medals adorned his broad shoulders, including the Padma Bhushan and the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in World War II.
Known as the Sailors Admiral, his dedication to his beloved Navy was surpassed only by his love for his Country. Flamboyant, charismatic, and a dynamic leader of men, this is his story, one that is inextricably linked to the story of India and India’s Navy. In his own words, he tells of his experiences spanning some of India s most tumultuous times, from pre-independence to post independent modern India, including his part in building India’s Navy, the siege of Junagadh, the liberation of Goa, Diu, and Daman from the Portuguese, and culminating in his pivotal role in one of India’s greatest military triumphs, the 1971 war resulting in the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
For his part as Commander in Chief responsible for the conduct of all sea and seaborne air operations throughout the eastern theatre of war he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by a grateful nation, and was present for the signing of the surrender ceremony by Pakistani forces in Dacca, Bangla Desh in December 1971, heralding the birth of a new Nation.
A lesser known fact is that he was involved in the only other naval action prior to the 1971 Bangla Desh war- the liberation of Goa, Diu, and Daman, from the Portuguese in 1962. As Captain of the INS Delhi, he was responsible for the bombardment of Diu from the sea and supporting the Indian Army, which resulted in the unconditional surrender of Portuguese forces on Land, and in Goa, Diu and Daman finally joining the Indian Union after 400 years of colonial rule.
His life was a fascinating one, which most people would only dream about. He rubbed shoulders with royalty, presidents, prime ministers, politicians, military brass, war heroes, extraordinary and ordinary people in the course of his life. Every encounter has a fascinating tale behind it, from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, V.V. Giri, Ace fighter pilot Guy Gibson of second world war dam busters fame, Queen Elizabeth the Queen mother, Lord Mountbatten of Burma, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding of Battle of Britain fame, Russian Grand Admiral Gorshkov, to even a mafia Don and his moll in downtown San Francisco. Each story is part of the tapestry that made his life’s story so interesting. Sit back and enjoy the voyage of the life of a great Indian military hero and patriot, who often said - If you cut open my chest, embedded in my heart you will see four letters in bold: N-A-V-Y.