MANGALURU: The President of India has conferred Tatrakshak gallantry medal on Deputy Inspector-General Surendra Singh Dasila of Indian Coast Guard for displaying exemplary courage and acts of valour under extreme conditions on the occasion Independence Day. Dasila, commander, Coast Guard Karnataka will receive the award at an investiture ceremony to be held separately and is for saving 25 lives off Colombo in a major fire-fighting operation.Dasila, then in command of Indian Coast Guard Ship Shoor led fire-fighting operation spanning over three days in April and averted sinking of MV MSC Daniella very close to Colombo harbour. Timely action of Indian Coast Guard in adverse situation prevailing onboard MSC Daniella not only assisted in dousing the fire but also resulted in rescue of the ship from sinking in the territorial waters of Sri Lanka laden with more than 7000 containers with dangerous cargo inside.This act of Dasila in response to Lankan Navy request not only resulted in saving 25 lives onboard but further strengthened Indo-Sri Lankan ties. Dasila was commended by Director-General in 2000 for operation Nelson, first ever joint anti-piracy operation by ICG and Indian Navy. Pirated vessel MV Alondra Rainbow alias Mega Rama hijacked from South China Sea was captured successfully in the first known case in maritime history of pirates being captured with cargo.Dasila assumed responsibilities of commander, number three Coast Guard District (Karnataka) in May. Having joined Coast Guard in 1991, Dasila holds Masters Degree in Management Studies from Osmania University, Hyderabad. He is alumni of Rashtriya Military School, Dholpur and College of Defence Management, Secunderabad. He is specialist in IT and trained in International Maritime Officers course at US Coast Guard Training Centre Yorktown, Virginia.

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