It is celebrated on December 4 to acknowledge the role and achievements of the Indian Navy. The day also commemorates the launch of Operation Trident against Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan War in 1971 and also raises awareness about the Indian Navy among the general public.
The Indian Navy is a well-balanced three-dimensional force, capable of operating above, on and under the surface of the oceans and safeguarding our national interests. Its objective is also to improve its circumstances in the Indian Ocean Zone. The theme of Navy Day 2020 was "Indian Navy Combat Ready, Credible & Cohesive".
It is the marine branch of the Indian Armed Forces and the Commander-in-Chief of Indian Navy is President of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosle, the Maratha emperor of the 17th century is considered as the “Father of the Indian Navy”.
The role of the Indian Navy is to secure the marine edges of the country and update the worldwide relations of India through seaport visits, joint exercises, altruistic missions, upheaval help, etc. Its objective is also to improve the circumstance in the Indian Ocean Zone.
How is Indian Navy Day celebrated?
On 4th December in remembrance of the daredevil attack on the naval base of Pakistan, at Karachi. The Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy with headquarters in Mumbai celebrate this great occasion by bringing together their ships and sailors.
The Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam plans all the activities and events which are to be conducted on the Navy Day celebrations. It starts with a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial (at RK Beach) and is followed by the practical demonstration to show the energy and skills of the naval submarines, ships, aircraft, and other forces.
Why is Indian Navy Day Celebrated?
In India, the Navy Day is celebrated to remember and recognize the courageous attack on the Karachi border during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war on 4th December. During this day, the warships and aircraft of the Indian naval are accessible to the visitors. The Military Photo Exhibition is organized by the journalists of the Ernakulum in the naval festival.
Usually, the Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT) conducts a community service from 24th to 26th November at Good Hope Old Age Home, Fort Kochi. In this, the students take part to entertain the Naval Doctors. Navy Ball, Navy Queen and some other contests are also held in the navy fest.
Indian Navy plays a significant role in securing the marine borders of the nation as well as accelerating the international relations of India through various means like seaport visits, joint ventures, patriotic missions, calamity relief, and many others. The modern-day Indian Navy has been transformed in order to improve the position of the navy in the Indian Ocean area. There are three divisions in the Indian Armed Forces: Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Indian Army protects our land, the Navy in water, and the Air Force protects us in the sky.
PM Modi at Navy Day event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj understood the importance of the Navy for the nation. PM Modi was addressing a Navy Day event in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district.
PM Modi also extended wishes to the members of the Indian Navy on Navy Day. "My greetings to all the members of the Navy family. I am fortunate to extend greetings of the Navy Day from this Sindhudurg Fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj knew the importance of the power of the sea. His slogan meant, 'The one who can control the sea is the most powerful'," he said.
The Prime Minister further said that the government is committed to increasing the strength of our women in the armed forces. "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," said PM Modi during Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg.
PM Modi on Blue Economy
He said that India is giving unprecedented support to the Blue Economy and port-led development. "Merchant shipping is also being encouraged. India is moving towards utilising the potential of its oceans," he added.
PM Modi on ranks in Indian Navy
The Prime Minister said that the ranks in the Indian Navy would be renamed according to the Indian culture. "With pride in our heritage, I am proud to announce that the ranks in the Indian Navy would be renamed according to the Indian culture. We are also working on increasing women power in our defence forces. I want to congratulate the Navy for appointing the country's first woman commanding officer on a naval ship."
Earlier, PM Modi had unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district. He also paid homage to the rich maritime heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who constructed several coastal and sea forts, including the Sindhudurg Fort. The Maratha empire founder's seal inspired the new naval ensign that was adopted last year when PM Modi commissioned the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
