Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has expressed shock and grief at the untimely demise of Natesan Andavan, Public Relation Officer of the Ministry of Defence in Chennai, and said that he was a professional communicator who excelled in every aspect of journalism and public relations.
"He made a definite impact among the media fraternity. My heart goes out to the bereaved family at this critical moment in their lives," said Parrikar.
Defence Secretary R.K. Mathur and Director General (Media and Communication) Sitanshu Kar also offered condolences at the tragic passing away of Andavan.
Andavan, passed away this morning succumbing to a grievous injury he had suffered in a road accident on Monday. He was 52 years old.
Andavan had joined the DPR set up of MoD in 2009. In a very short time, he endeared himself to the media fraternity for his professionalism, amiable personality and an abiding interest in defence related issues.
During his tenure, he had travelled to almost all defence establishments in South India and provided publicity to their activities and achievements. He took active interest in recruitment rallies held at various locations in his area of responsibility and his contribution in generating enthusiasm among the youth for a career in the Armed Forces will be remembered for long.
He also worked for the publicity of several editions of Aero India, held in Bengaluru, the premier aero show of Asia.
With an academic bent of mind, Andavan had earned an M.Phil Degree in Mass Communication. He belonged to the 2009 batch of the prestigious Defence Correspondents' Course conducted by the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.
He was a regular contributor to the fortnightly Sainik Samachar, the oldest defence journal of the country.
Before joining the DPR, he had worked with various media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, including AIR, Doordarshan, DAVP, PIB and DFP.
Andavan is survived by his wife S. Joy, a news editor with All India Radio, Chennai, a son and a daughter.
