Droupadi Murmu was among the thousands of spectators at the action-packed Navy Day celebration
Puri:
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday invoked the blessings of the ‘God of the Ocean’ (Varuna) for the country’s all-round development and said she was confident that the Indian Navy will continue to ensure the country’s maritime security.
Droupadi Murmu, the Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces, said this during the Navy Day celebrations at Blu Flag Beach in Odisha’s Puri.
“I am confident that the Indian Navy will continue to ensure maritime security, essential for Viksit Bharat, by 2047,” the President said.
Droupadi Murmu said that with 63 ships being built in India, the Navy’s focus to be an ‘Atmanirbhar’ force by 2047 provides inspiration to all of us to pursue innovation in ‘Mission Mode’. The President lauded the Navy’s efforts to empower women and acknowledged its crucial role in India’s victory in the 1971 war. She also lauded the Navy’s growth and capabilities and noted that India’s maritime history is more than spans 5000 years.
While wishing all the personnel of the armed forces on the occasion of Navy Day, the President said that this day is observed to celebrate India’s glorious victory in the 1971 war and to commemorate the selfless service and supreme sacrifices which brought the naval personnel to the defense of the motherland.
The President commended the Navy’s pioneering efforts in providing appropriate growth opportunities to ‘Nari Shakti’ and noted that this was the first service to induct women Agniveers.
Droupadi Murmu said two women naval officers – Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa – are the best examples of this new paradigm as they travel the world in INSV Tarini as part of the ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama II’.
Droupadi Murmu was among thousands of spectators at the action-packed Navy Day celebration, where the Indian Navy showcased its maritime capabilities, air power and operational excellence.
The event, which marked the first Navy Day celebration on the East Coast, saw an impressive operational display by personnel, highlighting the strength and versatility of the Indian Naval Fleet. The occasion commemorates the strategic victories during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The festivities kicked off with Hawk AJTs (also known as ‘Phantoms’), multi-role trainer aircraft, performing a ground attack maneuver in arrowhead formation. Marine Commandos (MARCOS) demonstrated their combat skills, including an impressive hostage rescue operation, while the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Chetak helicopters participated in the show.
Female cadets performed a traditional Horn Pipe Dance, and advanced fighter jets such as the MIG-29K and Hawk aircraft showed their air dominance. The event also highlighted the historical maritime significance of Odisha.
A total of 15 warships, 37 aircraft and a submarine took part in the operations demonstration, which featured breathtaking maneuvers such as air dominance by fighter jets, Combat Free Falls, slippery operations by MARCOS, submarine displays and missile firing by warships.
The grand evening concluded with the Beating Retreat Ceremony by the Eastern Naval Command Band, followed by a Continuity Drill and an impressive Drone and Laser Show.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
