The Indian Navy demonstrated its operational capabilities with a grand 'Operational Demonstration' on Navy Day today on 4rth December 2024 at the scenic Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha. The occasion, marking the Navy’s celebration of the historic victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the valor displayed during Operation Trident, was attended by the Hon'ble President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, hosted the event, which also saw the participation of senior administrators from both Central and State governments, military officers, and the local public.
Navy Day is celebrated every year on December 4 to honor the outstanding achievements of the Indian Navy, especially its bold attack on the Karachi harbour during the 1971 war. The occasion at Puri strived to emphasize the Navy's rich maritime history and display the resolve of its personnel to safeguard national maritime interests anytime, anywhere, anyhow.
The 'Operational Demonstration' was a complete display of the Indian Navy’s might, featuring 15 warships, a range of aircraft including MiG 29K and MH 60R helicopters, and a combat beach reconnaissance by the Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy. Other attractions included performances by the Naval Band, Continuity Drill, and a Horn Pipe Dance by SCC Cadets. The event concluded with the illumination of ships anchored in the bay, followed by an amazing Laser and Drone show on the beach.
This year’s demonstration marked a historic occasion, being only the second time the Indian Navy organized such an event at a location outside a prominent Naval Station. Blue Flag Beach, Puri, located around 500 km from Visakhapatnam and 200 km from the nearest Naval Station at INS Chilka, provided a spectacular backdrop for the celebrations, which were also live-streamed to audiences globally through the Indian Navy’s YouTube channel and Doordarshan.
In her speech, President Murmu praised the Indian Navy’s devotion to ensuring maritime security and advancing India’s vision of becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. She stressed the significance of the Navy’s efforts toward self-reliance, with 63 ships currently being built in India, and emphasized the Navy’s progress in empowering women through the 'Nari Shakti' initiative. The President also lauded the seamless integration of advanced technology, tactical expertise, and bravery shown during the operational display, noting how these efforts mirror the evolution of the Navy into a combat-ready, future-ready force.
Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, during his speech, welcomed the President to Puri, emphasizing the region’s historic maritime importance, dating back to the Kalinga Empire, and its ongoing connection to the sea through festivals like ‘Bali Jatra.’ He summarized the Navy’s global engagements, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and its operational readiness, while stressing the significance of cooperation with global partners to ensure 'Security And Growth for All in the Region.'
The Chief of the Naval Staff also highlighted the Indian Navy’s core values of professionalism and dedication to safeguard the nation's maritime interests. He reassured the nation that the Navy remains a combat-ready, credible, and cohesive force devoted to defending India’s interests, stating that the Navy is truly "every Indian’s Navy."
The event concluded with sincere appreciation conveyed to President Murmu for her presence, which served as a substantial inspiration for the personnel of the Indian Navy and the entire Nausena Pariwar. (PR)