Every year, India celebrates December 04 as Navy Day to acknowledge the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievements in ‘Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
This year, for the first time, Navy Day Celebrations are being conducted outside the National Capital.
This year, as India ushers in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ with the commencement of the celebrations of 75 years of her independence, the Indian Navy demonstrated India’s combat prowess and capability through an ‘Operational Demonstration’ on Navy Day.
The Hon’ble President of India and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt. Droupadi Murmu witnessed the Operational Demonstration. Several dignitaries from the Central and State Governments also attended the event, which Admiral R Hari Kumar hosted, Chief of the Naval Staff.
The Operational Demonstration showcased the capabilities of Indian Naval ships, submarines, aircraft, helicopters, and Special Forces from the Eastern, Western, and Southern Naval Command. The event concluded with Beating Retreat, a sunset ceremony, and illumination by ships at anchorage.
A book on Naval history titled 'A Decade of Transformation - Signalling Power and Partnerships' was released and unveiled during the event. In addition, commemorating the event a Navy Telefilm, a movie on Navy Wellness and Welfare Association, and a new naval song titled ‘Call of the Blue Waters’ written by Mr. Prasoon Joshi and sung by Shankar Mahadevan were also released.
The Navy Day 2022 also marked a special day for the Indian Navy as the new President’s Standard, a new Indian Navy Crest, and the CNS Standard were unveiled on occasion. The new President’s Standard was displayed for the first time during the naval Guard of Honour inspected by the Hon’ble President on her arrival at Visakhapatnam.
The event was also witnessed by Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, Shri Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State for Defence, and a host of dignitaries from the Armed Forces and the State Government, as well as citizens of Visakhapatnam City.
Navy Day celebrations aim to foster greater outreach, renew maritime consciousness amongst our citizens and highlight the Navy’s contributions towards national security.
More than three lakh citizens of Visakhapatnam witnessed the Op Demo on RK Beach.