Port Blair, Dec 3: Navy Day is observed on Dec 4 every year to commemorate the Indian Navy’s decisive role in achieving victory at sea in the 1971 Indo-Pak .War. It is an occasion to pay homage to our martyrs and remember the sacrifices of our veterans and war widows. On this day the Navy reiterates its commitment and rededicates itself to continued service to the nation.
On the occasion, Mr Pranab Muhkerjee, the President of India in his Navy Day message has stated the importance of seas for national prosperity and the Indian Navy, as the primary instrument of India’s sea power, has played a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and promoting national interests. He complimented the Indian Navy for discharging its responsibilities towards the nation with complete dedication and alacrity. He said that he was happy to see that the Indian Navy has been in the fore front of promoting indigenisation and self reliance.
The Lt. Governor of these islands, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), has extended warm greetings to all naval personnel and their families at Andaman and Nicobar Command. He said that the Navy’s focus towards excellence in training and technology induction is in line with the theme of this year “Empowering India through Maritime Security and Indigenisation”. He elucidated the unique and complex challenges in the maritime domain especially in these islands which are the eastern maritime frontier of the nation. He emphasized the need to maintain round the clock vigil with alacrity and professionalism. He commended the Naval Component for their dedication, commitment and professionalism towards tackling the multifarious challenges of maritime security.
Vice Admiral Pradeep Kumar Chatterjee, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command has highlighted the significant growth of Navy’s role in securing nation’s sovereign interests in the maritime domain over the last decade. He said that the requirement of naval presence has grown exponentially owing to strategic and security scenario in our area of responsibility. He reiterated that the collective focus should be on creating a secure maritime environment for which sustained operational tempo and augmentation of suitable assets and infrastructure should be the key focus areas for the Navy in these islands. In the end he urged all personnel of the Command to continue to perform with dedication, sincerity and commitment to fulfill their mandated tasks.
The Naval Component in the Andaman and Nicobar Command has been carrying out a myriad of activities preceding and during the Navy Week 2015. These include conduct of medical camps at outlying islands, Ex Servicemen Mela, Naval Band performance for general public, Children visit to Ross Island and Naval Ships, Blood donation camp by naval personnel, charitable work for orphanages and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at Cinque Island.
