Rakesh Pal

Rakesh Pal, PTM, TM is a serving flag officer of the Indian Coast Guard. He currently serves as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard.

Early life and education
Pal hails from Uttar Pradesh. After his schooling, he attended the Indian Naval Academy and joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989.

Career
Pal specialised in Gunnery & Weapons Systems. He attended the gunnery school of the Indian Navy, INS Dronacharya in Kochi. He holds the recognition of being the first Gunner of Indian Coast Guard. He later attended an Electro-Optics Fire Control Solution course in the United Kingdom.

Pal has commanded all classes of ship in the Coast Guard. He commanded the Interceptor boat ICGS C-03, the Inshore patrol vessel ICGS Ahalyabai and the fast patrol vessel ICGS ICGS Sucheta Kriplani. He also commanded the Vishwast-class offshore patrol vessel ICGS Vijit and the lead ship of her-class of advance offshore patrol vessels, ICGS Samarth. Pal has also commanded two forward-area coast guard bases in Gujarat, Coast Guard Station Okha and Coast Guard Station Vadinar.

In his staff appointments, Pal has served as the Director (Infra & Works) and as the Principal Director (Administration), both at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.

Flag rank
On elevation to the Flag rank, Pal was appointed Commander Coast Guard Region (North West) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. As the Region Commander, in the rank of Inspector General, he was responsible for ICG's mandated charter including maritime surveillance of Gujarat, Daman & Diu, coordination towards coastal security with state governments and Maritime Search and Rescue (MSAR). He later served as the Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) at CGHQ. In February 2022, he was promoted to three-star rank and appointed Additional Director General Coast Guard (ADGICG). In February 2023, he was given additional charge of Director General.

Awards and decorations
Pal was awarded the President's Tatrakshak Medal in 2018 and the Tatrakshak Medal in 2013.

Personal life
Pal is married to Dipa Pal. The couple has two daughters - Snehal and Tarushi. Pal is an ardent music lover and an avid sports enthusiast.