Visakhapatnam: In a departure from the past, Navy Day was celebrated in this port city where the Indian Navy showcased its mighty combat prowess in a spectacular fashion in the presence of President of India Droupadi Murmu who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Navy displayed its maritime strength through an Operational Demonstration at the Ramakrishna Beach here.
Sailors aboard the submarine INS Sindhukeerthi and INS Tarangini, the sail ship that circumvented the world, welcomed the President as they sailed past the venue.
The Navy commandos carried out a slithering operation from the Sea King helicopter, followed by a demonstration of the combat skills of the Marcos (Marine Commandos) who, after a rescue operation, demolished an oil rig. The Hawk aircraft were also on show, as also the MiG 29 K aircraft. The Navy’s warships Missile Corvette INS Khanjar, INS Kadmat and INS Kirch, Destroyer INS Delhi, Frigate INS Sahyadri and Destroyer INS Kochi were on display.
A search and rescue operation was demonstrated with the commandos lowering themselves from Naval helicopter Chetak and the Advanced Light Helicopter ALH Mach-3 and carrying out the mission. Four helicopters then demonstrated a precision landing onboard the warships lined offshore.
Firing of rockets from the warships was another attraction at the event, along with a fly-past by the Naval aircraft. Skydiver Anup Singh presented a book the ‘History of Indian Navy’ to the President, after he performed a free fall from an aircraft. A special song on the Indian Navy composed by the famous musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and penned by noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi was released on the occasion. Shankar (Mahadevan) enthralled the audience by a live performance as his partners Ehsaan, Loy and Joshi accompanied him on the stage.
The President inaugurated, in virtual mode, the National Open Air Range in Kurnool district and the Advanced Night Vision Products Factory of the Bharat Electronics Limited at Nimmakuru in Krishna district. She also inaugurated National Highway projects worth over Rs 925 crore, including the Rayachoti-Angallu section of the NH-340, a four-lane Road-over-Bridge on NH-205 and six-lane grade-separated structures on roads in Kurnool city, Dhone and service roads on NH-44.
She also laid the foundation stone for widening of Mudigubba-Puttaparthi stretch of NH-342 in Sri Satya Sai district. The president inaugurated four Ekalavya Model Residential Schools in the Agency (tribal) areas of the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Indian Navy saying it has steadfastly protected our nation and distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times. “Best wishes on Navy Day to all navy personnel and their families. We in India are proud of our rich maritime history,” ..We in India are proud of our rich maritime history,” Modi said in a tweet.
“The Indian Navy has steadfastly protected our nation and has distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times,” the prime minister said. “Best wishes on Navy Day to all navy personnel and their families. We in India are proud of our rich maritime history. The Indian Navy has steadfastly protected our nation and has distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times.”
