What every leader can learn from Navy chief Karambir Singh as he scraps 5 archival procedures

What every leader can learn from Navy chief Karambir Singh as he scraps 5 archival procedures

Sonali PimputkarUpdated: Wednesday, June 05, 2019, 04:56 PM IST
article-image
Image Source: PTI/Manvender Vashist

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh took over as the 24th Chief of Naval Staff from outgoing head Sunil Lamba at a ceremonial parade in the national capital on May 31, 2019. Recipient of the Param Vishist Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Singh is the first helicopter pilot of the Indian Navy to become the Chief of Naval Staff. The new Navy chief’s first diktat to the force said that a modern fighting force should follow contemporary social and ceremonial practices towards optimisation of resources.

Singh has been serving the Indian Navy for close to four decades now. After being appointed as the new Navy Chief, Singh has issued an elaborate guidelines that aim to curb subservient behaviour, restrict certain ceremonial practices, and ensure equality among the ranks.

Same standard of food, drinks and cutlery

Singh has announced that same standard of food, drinks and cutlery should be followed for all ranks of Navy personnel at all the official functions. He has also stated that refreshments and meals should be simple and devoid of ostentation.

No multiple stand-by cars for Navy Chief

The new navy chief has asked personnel to discontinue the provision of multiple stand-by cars for Chief of Naval Staff.

No bouquets

Singh has also discouraged presentation of bouquets to senior officials and their wives. The guidelines has also asked to avoid offering garlands to the guests and showering of petals. There will also be no quasi-religious functions including lighting of lamps, breaking of coconuts or recital of religious prayers.

No use of third person in addressing senior officials

The Navy Chief said use of the third person in addressing senior officers will be discontinued and full title of senior officers need not be used repeatedly in speeches, except in formal correspondences and occasions.

No family line-up to receive dignitaries

The Navy chief’s guidelines also directed that women and children should not be lined up to receive or see off dignitaries. According to the new guidelines, sailors should not be deployed to open doors for dignitaries.According to PTI, the directives are being implemented with immediate effect.

About Admiral Karambir Singh

Before being appointed to the post, the Admiral has commanded an Indian Coast Guard Ship, a Naval Missile Corvette as well as Guided Missile Destroyers. He has also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet, as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff at Naval Headquarters, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai.

(With inputs from IANS and PTI)

RECENT STORIES