Indian navy’s maritime strength is critical for maintaining military, economic, strategic, and commercial interests of the nation.
Indian navy’s gunnery school, INS Dronacharya was presented with the President’s Colours by President Droupadi Murmu in a prestigious ceremony on Thursday in Kochi. It was also a moment of pride as the new naval ensign ‘Nishaan’ was paraded at the ceremony. This day onwards the Nishaan will be paraded at all ceremonial parades in a bid to inspire and motivate all who pass through the institution and to show the country’s maritime strength. The display of strength and superiority of the Indian navy was also witnessed by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Harikumar and Southern Naval Command Chief M. A. Hampiholi at the function.
Prior to reviewing the Guard of Honour with the company of Admiral R Harikumar and Parade Commander Bipin Krishna the President was welcomed with a 21-gun salute and a 400-men parade. Lt Commander Sahil Ahluwalia and Lt Commander Sumit Deorani were at the helm of the 150-men honour guard. Four armed and unarmed platoons also participated in the parade. The Nishaan bestowed on INS Dronacharya by the President was accepted by Lt Commander Deepak Scaria on the behalf of INS Dronacharya.
The event was also graced by Chief Postmaster General of Kerala Circle Manju Pillai, Former Commanders of INS Dronacharya and senior service and civilian dignitaries. The president marked the ceremony by releasing a special cover by the postal department for the occasion.
The President’s Addressal
The criticalness of maritime strength to India’s strategic, commercial, economic, and military interests was the crux of the President’s speech. India being a peninsular country consists of a vast coastline, island territories and considerable seafaring population thus making a strong and modern navy a point of importance. The Indian Navy’s commitment to protecting the maritime borders, trade routes and calamity assistance is highly commendable.
The President noted the combat-ready and multidimensional nature of the Indian navy has not just resulted in the maritime interests of the country being safeguarded but also facilitated socio-economic growth by creating a peaceful periphery through its maritime strength. Being the ‘First Responder’ to any disturbance in the Indian maritime neighborhood speaks of the attributes of a mission-deployed and response-ready force over the last 75 years.
Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the aim of making India self-reliant in all aspects. Economy, infrastructure, vibrant demography, system, and demand are the five pillars of self-reliant India defined by the Prime Minister.
The President referenced her visit to INS Vikrant which is an indigenously built modern aircraft carrier making it an impeccable example of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The entire team of Indian navy, Cochin Shipyard Ltd and everyone else contributing to the building of INS Vikrant have made the country proud as India is one of the select few nations with the capacity to build an aircraft carrier using indigenously developed technology increasing the country’s maritime strength.
President’s six-day Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep visit
The ceremony and visit to INS Vikrant at the Cochin shipyard were a part of the President’s maiden visit to Kerala and Lakshadweep since taking over the post of President. The visit will include inaugurating ‘Unnati,’ a scheme for the development off scheduled tribes and visits to Self-Help Groups. Other plans include a visit to Mata Amritanandamayi at her ashram in Amritapuri, Vallikavu Concluding the visit, the President will depart for New Delhi on 21st March.
