On the occasion of Navy Day celebrations in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted that the government is planning to increase the number of women in the Armed Forces. He also underscored the country’s support for the Blue Economy and port-led development as the country is utilising the potential of its oceans.
PM Modi extended the greetings of Navy Day to all the Navy personnel. PM Modi also unveiled an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort.
Congratulating the induction of the first woman commanding officer in a naval ship, PM Modi said, "We are emphasising increasing the number of women in the Armed forces. Today, India is setting bigger targets for itself and is utilising its full potential to achieve those targets."
At the Navy Day event, PM Modi witnessed the ‘Operational Demonstrations’ undertaken by the Indian Navy’s ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces from Tarkarli Beach of Sindhudurg district. He also suggested that the ranks in the Indian navy will be renamed as per the Indian culture.
This year, the celebrations of Navy Day at Sindhudurg paid homage to the rich maritime heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who inspired the new Naval Ensign.
PM Modi further said, "Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the nation is moving forward leaving the mentality of dependence behind. I am happy that the epaulettes worn by our Naval officers will now have a sight of the heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. New epaulettes will now have a symbol of Shivaji Maharaj's army. It is my fortune that I had the opportunity to connect the Naval flag with the heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj."
Along with PM Modi, Defence Minster Rajnath Singh, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and Union Minister Narayan Rane also attended the
Navy Day Event in the Sindhudurg district.
According to a Hindustan Times report, this year, the operational prowess of the navy will include 20 frontline warships as well as 40 aircraft, including MiG-29K and the naval variant of the light combat aircraft. Additionally, combat beach reconnaissance and a simulated assault by the elite marine commandos will also be showcased at the event, said an official.
India observes December 4 as ‘Navy Day’ every year to acknowledge the significant role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievement in the ‘Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. While celebrating the day, an ‘Operational Demonstration’ is undertaken, showcasing the operational readiness and courage of Indian Navy ships, submarines, aircraft, and the special forces.
The operational demonstration allows witnessing various facets of multi-domain operations undertaken by the Indian Navy. It also emphasises the Indian Navy’s contributions towards national security to the public, while also heralding maritime consciousness amongst citizens.
Last year, the Navy Day celebrations were held at Vizag in Andhra Pradesh with the President as the chief guest. Since last year, the armed forces have begun celebrating their annual days outside New Delhi.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
First Published: Dec 4, 2023 11:03 AM IST
