Vice Admiral Alok Ananda takes charge as 13th Commandant of Ezhimala Indian Naval Academy
Kannur, August 2
The Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, ushered in a new chapter as Vice Admiral Alok Ananda, YSM, took over as the 13th Commandant of the Academy on August 1.
He succeeded Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, whose tenure was marked by visionary leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to quality training.
In an X post, the Indian Naval Academy announced, "Vice Admiral Alok Ananda, YSM, assumed charge as the 13th Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, taking on the baton from Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM. An alumnus of the Naval Academy, Goa, and a Navigation & Direction specialist, he is a graduate of the #DSSC, Wellington, and the #NDC, Thailand. Over three decades of distinguished service, he has commanded INS Ghorpad and INS Satpura, served as an instructor at the #NDA, Khadakwasla, the Navigation & Direction School, Kochi, and #DSSC, Wellington, besides holding key appointments at Naval Headquarters, including Commodore Naval Operations and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans). Prior to assuming this appointment, he was the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet."
A distinguished Flag Officer, Vice Admiral Alok Ananda is an alumnus of the Naval Academy, Goa, and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1993. A Navigation and Direction specialist, he has done his staff course from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and National Defence Course from NDC, Thailand.
In a career spanning more than three decades, he has held several key Operational, Staff and Instructional appointments which include command of INS Ghorpad and INS Satpura and instructor tenures at National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla), Navigation and Direction School (Kochi) and DSSC, Wellington.
His notable appointments at Naval Headquarters include Commodore Naval Operations and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans). In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) in 2016.
Prior to taking over as Commandant, INA, the Flag Officer was Commanding the prestigious Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Vice Admiral Alok Ananda's resume is truly impressive — Naval Academy, DSSC, NDC Thailand, commanding warships, and now leading the premier naval academy. The future officers are in good hands. Also, great to see a navigation specialist at the top; they have such a sharp strategic vision.
Congratulations to Vice Admiral Ananda! It's always good to see officers who've served in operational commands take over training institutions. The blend of frontline experience and academic rigor at DSSC is exactly what's needed to prepare the next generation of naval officers.
Great appointment! One thing though — I hope the academy also focuses on modern geopolitical challenges like cybersecurity and drone warfare. The traditional training is solid, but we need our young officers to be future-ready. I'm sure Vice Admiral Ananda will bring that perspective from his fleet command.
The fact that he's an alumnus of the same academy system and has come up through the ranks shows great institutional continuity. Wishing him all the best in this new role. Also, Vice Admiral Chadha's legacy is in good hands. The Indian Navy keeps getting stronger!
Three decades of service, YSM for his leadership, and now heading one of Asia's largest naval academies — a well-deserved posting. The Ezhimala campus is stunning, and I hope he brings the same energy he showed in the Eastern Fleet. Jai Hind! 🙏
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