Virender Singh Pathania Explained

Honorific Prefix:	Director General
Virender Singh Pathania^[1]
Honorific Suffix:	PVSM, PTM, TM
Birth Date:	1 October 1963
Allegiance:	India
Serviceyears:	1986–2023
Rank:	Director General
Unit:	CGHQ
Commands:	Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) Coast Guard Region (North West) Coast Guard Region (West) ICGS Ranijindan ICGS Vigraha ICGS Sarang
Awards:	President’s Tatrakshak Medal Tatrakshak Medal

Virender Singh Pathania, PVSM, PTM, TM, is a retired Indian Coast Guard officer. He served as the 24th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard.^[2] He assumed the office on 31 December 2021 upon superannuation of Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan.^{[3] [4]} He is the first helicopter pilot to hold this position.^[5] Previously he served as Additional Director General of Indian Coast Guard and Coast Guard Commander of Western Seaboard.^[6]

Career

In the course of a decorated career, VS Pathania commanded Indian Coast Guard vessels of all classes and was awarded President’s Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished service, Tatrakshak Medal for Gallantry, and Director General's Commendation.^[7]

Pathania's tenure as Director General witnessed the milestone of having attained complete indigenization^[8] and a large-scale induction and operationalization of drones in the Indian Coast Guard.^[9]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Director General ICG.
2. Web site: V S Pathania Takes Charge As Indian Coast Guard Chief. 2021-12-31. NDTV.com.
3. Web site: Desk. NH Web. 2021-12-31. LIVE News Updates: Ace helicopter pilot Virender Singh Pathania appointed new DG Indian Coast Guard. 2022-01-02. National Herald. en.
4. News: Bureau. The Hindu. 2022-01-01. V.S. Pathania takes over as Coast Guard Director General. en-IN. The Hindu. 2022-01-02. 0971-751X.
5. Web site: Ani . Watch: VS Pathania receives Guard of Honour on taking over as Coast Guard DG. 2022-01-02. The Economic Times.
6. Web site: Director General ICG.
7. Web site: Pathania, VS - Career Summary.
8. Web site: Coast Guard 100pc indigenized.
9. Web site: Drone Induction in the Indian Coast Guard.