Admiral Katari joined the Navy in 1939 and saw action in World War II. He took over command of the Indian Fleet in 1954, and was appointed Chief of the Naval Staff in 1958 – the first Indian officer to assume the highest office in the service. In June 1964 he was specially selected as India’s Ambassador to Burma. The Admiral settled in Secunderabad after his second retirement in 1969. His final years were devoted to public service, compiling crosswords for news-papers, and promotion of sports. He passed away in January 1983 aged 71. His wife Dhanam Katari who survived him for 27 years, was the inspiration behind the Katari Heritage Hall created by the family in Sainik Puri, to commemorate his Birth Centenary.
