The Humble Coast Guard Commander Inspiring J&K’s Youth
SYED BASHARAT
MUMBAI, Oct 14: When the J&K Media Delegation visited the Western Headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard in Mumbai under the PIB’s week-long outreach programme commencing from October 5 this year, few of us expected to meet an officer whose humility and warmth would leave such a deep impression. Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, PTM, TM, Commander of Coast Guard Region (West), welcomed us not with the formal rigidity often associated with senior ranks, but with the calm confidence of a man who has spent his life serving with purpose, discipline, and heart.
Hailing from Jammu, Inspector General Bhisham Sharma is not just one of the country’s most accomplished Coast Guard officers but also a proud son of the soil who continues to carry his roots close to his heart. Since July 1, 2025, he has been holding additional charge as Commander (Western Seaboard), overseeing the vast and strategically vital North West Region, including Gujarat, apart from the Western Region that comprises four coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands.
As we interacted with him, it became evident that behind the crisp uniform and numerous decorations lies a man deeply passionate about his work — and equally determined to inspire the next generation, especially the youth from Jammu and Kashmir. “Our youth must look beyond the mountains and see the vastness of our country — the seas, the skies, and the limitless opportunities that come with serving the nation,” he said with a gentle smile that reflected both pride and sincerity.
A Journey of Dedication and Distinction
Joining the Indian Coast Guard in January 1990, Inspector General Sharma’s journey has been one of perseverance and excellence. An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, he was adjudged the Best Trainee Assistant Commandant, setting the tone for an illustrious career ahead.
He earned his coveted flying wings at the Naval Helicopter Training School in 1995 and went on to serve as an accomplished helicopter pilot across both the Western and Eastern Seaboards. His operational experience includes leading numerous search and rescue missions, most notably the SAR operation of six personnel adrift in the Andaman Sea in 2001.
Today, he holds the distinction of being the senior-most aviator in the Indian Coast Guard and the only officer to have commanded all four classes of ships in the organization — from Inshore and Fast Patrol Vessels to Offshore and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels. His leadership during these commands has been marked by operational efficiency, crew morale, and innovation.
Visionary Leadership on the Western Front
As Commander Coast Guard Region (West), headquartered in Mumbai, Inspector General Sharma has overseen a region that spans vast maritime boundaries — from Maharashtra’s Konkan coast to the island territories of Lakshadweep and Minicoy.
During his tenure, the Western Region has witnessed significant modernization and capacity expansion. Under his command, several new Patrol Craft and Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) have been inducted, alongside ongoing construction of New Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). His focus on infrastructure development, seamless inter-agency coordination, and operational readiness has brought laurels to the Indian Coast Guard.
Prior to this, as Commander Coast Guard Region (A&N), he played a key role in strengthening the infrastructure and operational synergy in the strategically crucial Andaman & Nicobar Islands, ensuring smooth coordination within the ambit of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).
Strengthening the Western Seaboard
Speaking about the Indian Coast Guard’s growth trajectory, Inspector General Sharma said the organization has come a long way since its inception in 1977 with just seven surface platforms. “Today, the Indian Coast Guard stands as a formidable maritime force with over 151 ships and 76 aircraft, and by 2030, we aim to achieve a strength of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft,” he said, underlining the ICG’s evolution into one of the world’s premier Coast Guard services.
The Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (West), under his command, covers the coastal states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Daman and Lakshadweep Islands. The region operates through five district commands, ensuring robust coastal security and surveillance across India’s western seaboard.
“With our motto ‘Vayam Rakshamah’ (We Protect), the Indian Coast Guard has ensured round-the-clock safety and security of India’s maritime zones,” IG Sharma emphasized. He pointed out that the ICG serves as the nodal agency for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in Indian waters, with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai overseeing nearly 60% of India’s total Search and Rescue Region. “On average, the Indian Coast Guard saves one life every alternate day. Since its inception, the organization has rescued nearly 15,000 lives through over 4,200 missions,” he noted with quiet pride.
Across the country, the ICG maintains round-the-clock vigilance, deploying nearly 55 to 60 surface platforms and 10 to 12 aircraft daily to monitor and protect India’s vast maritime domain. This persistent presence ensures the safety of sea lanes that are vital for maritime transportation and supports the sustainable growth of India’s blue economy.
Guarding the Nation’s Waters
The Indian Coast Guard’s operational excellence is reflected in its nationwide success against illegal maritime activities. “As an organization, we have seized contraband worth over ₹52,000 crores, including a record haul of 6,016 kg of narcotics in the Andaman Sea,” IG Sharma shared, acknowledging the collective efforts of Coast Guard units across all regions.
Beyond law enforcement, the Coast Guard has also been instrumental in disaster response operations during cyclones, floods, and other maritime emergencies — providing timely humanitarian assistance and saving countless lives. From rescue operations during Cyclone Asna in Gujarat to flood relief in Wayanad and complex night-time medical evacuations at sea, the ICG has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the nation.
As the designated national authority for marine environmental protection, the ICG has also played a key role in oil spill management and pollution response. The organization regularly conducts national and regional pollution response exercises to enhance preparedness. “We take immense pride in leading the International Coastal Cleanup Day every year, mobilizing thousands across coastal states to keep our shores clean,” IG Sharma said, adding that environmental protection remains an essential part of the ICG’s operational ethos.
Marching Towards Self-Reliance
Inspector General Sharma highlighted that the Indian Coast Guard’s modernization aligns with the government’s Make in India initiative. “We are embracing indigenous technologies — from air cushion vehicles and advanced communication systems to next-generation patrol vessels and helicopters. Approvals have been granted for Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft and additional helicopters to strengthen our response capabilities,” he said.
He added that the Coast Guard is also developing advanced infrastructure, including more than 1,000 meters of new jetties, and enhancing digital readiness through a Tier-III Data Centre under the Digital Coast Guard initiative. New facilities such as the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry further augment the organization’s operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region.
A Scholar and a Decorated Officer
A graduate of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Inspector General Sharma has been honored with the President’s Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service and the Tatrakshak Medal for Meritorious Service. His exceptional professionalism has also earned him commendations from the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard on two occasions.
Yet, despite these accolades, what stands out most is his grounded nature. His humility was unmistakable as he spoke about his team, always emphasizing collective effort over individual recognition. “No officer achieves success alone; it’s always the crew, the spirit, and the mission that matter,” he said, reflecting the ethos of a true leader.
Fitness, Family, and a Message for the Youth
A keen fitness enthusiast and avid cyclist, Inspector General Sharma has been promoting a culture of physical well-being across the Coast Guard fraternity. His belief in leading by example extends beyond professional life — it’s a personal philosophy.
He is married to Mrs. Anju Sharma, a homemaker, and is a proud father of two sons, Sankalp and Sukkrit, both pursuing their respective academic and professional careers.
When asked about his message for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, his eyes brightened. “Discipline, courage, and service to the nation — these are not just military values, they are life values. I want to see more young men and women from J&K join the forces, especially the Navy and Coast Guard, and experience what it means to serve across the vast seas of our beautiful India.”
A Leader Who Inspires by Example
Inspector General Bhisham Sharma’s journey from the serene hills of Jammu to commanding the Indian Coast Guard’s Western and North-Western maritime frontiers is more than a tale of rank and responsibility — it’s a story of perseverance, humility, and dedication.
Our meeting with him was a reminder that true leadership is not measured merely by titles or medals, but by character, empathy, and the ability to inspire others. For the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, he stands as a living example that the horizon is never too far — if one dares to look beyond.
