Director General Virender Singh Pathania takes charge as 24th Indian Coast Guard Chief

Why in news?

• Director General Virender Singh Pathania took over as the 24th Chief of the Indian Coast Guard recently.

About General VS Pathania

• A qualified helicopter pilot, the top official of India’s Coast Guard has held several key roles afloat and ashore in a career spanning 36 years.
• The Flag Officer has commanded all classes of Coast Guard ships such as Inshore Patrol Vessel ‘Ranijindan’, Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Vigraha’ and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sarang’.
• An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and National Defence College, New Delhi, he also holds a Master’s Degree in Defence & Strategic Studies from the University of Madras. In addition to this, he has undergone a specialization in Search and Rescue and port operations with the US Coast Guard.
• Director General Pathania is also recipient of President’s Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished service, Tatrakshak Medal for gallantry and Director General Indian Coast Guard Commendation.