>"Over the years, Admiral Ramdas became an outspoken voice of conscience, advocating actively for the defence of the Indian Constitution, especially the values of liberty, equality, fraternity and secularism." ----------------- By: The Wire Staff Published in: *The Wire* Date: March 15, 2024 Source: https://thewire.in/security/ex-naval-chief-admiral-laxminarayan-ramdas-passes-away-at-95 *Please access the source for the entire news article.*
"After retirement, Admiral Ramdas settled in the village of Bhaimala, Alibag, Maharashtra, on a piece of land awarded to him by the government of Maharashtra in recognition of his acts of gallantry in the 1971 war operations. Here, he and his wife Lalita Ramdas developed and planted diverse trees, practiced organic farming, and involved themselves in a range of public service activities. These included being actively involved in the Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPPFD), Indo-Pakistan Soldiers Initiative for Peace (IPSI), the anti-nuclear peace movement -Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), supporting the struggle against an SEZ under the *22 Gaon Bachao Andolan* in Raigad district, Maharashtra, the movement for gender equality, fisherpeople’s rights, the rights of farmers, the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, and many others. Over the years, he became an outspoken voice of conscience, advocating actively for the defence of the Indian Constitution, especially the values of liberty, equality, fraternity and secularism. He was particularly concerned about maintaining secularism and the commitment to constitutional values among the Indian Armed Forces. He reminded them of their oath to the Constitution of India. He continuously advocated with political parties to stand up for these same core values. He fearlessly voiced his opinions about injustices against marginalised and minority communities and wrote several representations to the highest authorities, condemning the communalisation and polarisation being promoted, and urged them to uphold democracy and the secular fabric of India."
