Naval Building Named After Martyr Lt. Cdr Firdaus Mogal

On 10th October, 2018, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, inaugurated Navy officer’s residence enclave at NOFRA, Dabolim, in Goa. The complex comprises five multistorey buildings which have been named in honour of martyrs of the Indian Navy who sacrificed their lives whilst saving the lives of brother officers, sailors and citizens. One of the buildings has been named in honour of our Community’s braveheart, Lt. Cdr Firdaus Mogal, who lost his life while saving the lives of his brother officers.

The Commander-in-Chief unveiled the inaugural plaque, and the keys to the flats were handed over in presence of the Next of Kin of the martyrs. The plaque for Lt. Cdr Firdaus Mogal reads:

“Lt Cdr Firdaus D. Mogal  (04730-Z) was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 15 Oct 74. He underwent his schooling at Maneckji Cooper School Mumbai and was an alumnus of the prestigious National Defense Academy (L/89). The officer was commissioned on 01 Jan 98 and was a submariner, specialized in Anti Submarine Warfare.

Lt Cdr Mogal was the Executive Officer, INS Shankash whilst the submarine was enroute for deployment on 30 Aug 10 when a defect was observed on the outer exhaust flap. The submarine surfaced and a team of 3 sailors led by the Engineer Officer proceeded to the submarine casing to undertake repairs. The sea was very rough and as the team was approaching the defective flap, a strong wave swept two of the sailors and the Engineer Officer over board. The third sailor was badly injured and was hanging overboard with his storm belt. Firdaus, who was on the bridge, unmindful of his own safety rushed to rescue the injured sailor. With immense grit and determination he battled the heavy sea and braved the crashing waves using every ounce of his strength to rescue the injured sailor first and then helped the others to safety by using his own body as support for them to climb. After ensuring safety of his men only, did he start to climb back to the bridge.  At this moment an enormous wave crashed onto him causing a fatal head injury. Firdaus displayed exceptional courage, fortitude, swiftness of action and fearless valour in the face of mortal danger and made the supreme sacrifice in saving the lives of his men.

We are honored to live in a building named after an exceptional officer who personified the highest tradition of the service. Let us strive to be worthy of his sacrifice and live by his ideals.”

It was a very emotional moment for the representatives of the martyrs to see their loved ones’ names permanently etched on the buildings. Lt. Cdr Firdaus Mogal was also posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra.

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