Indian Navy will display its operational prowess and capabilities through an ‘Operational Demonstration’ covering a spectrum of naval operations by the ships and aircraft at the iconic Sindhudurg Fort on the western seaboard of India on 4 December 2023 . The event, to be hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be witnessed from the Tarkarli beach by senior Centre and State government officials, military dignitaries and the local populace. The event aims to celebrate and glorify our rich maritime history and shed the colonial practices.
It’s important to recall the relevance of the Sidhudurg Fort as the locale for hosting the Navy Day. Built by Chhatrapati Maharaj Shivaji, the fort is approximately 450 km South of Mumbai. Sindhudurg means Fort in the sea and was commissioned din 1664. The fort has played a pivotal role in maritime battle and boasts of India’s rich maritime history.
The Navy Day on 4 December commemorates “Operation Trident”, the Indian Navy’s audacious attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 War. The Op Demo is being organised to celebrate the valour and courage of the personnel and their resolve to achieve the impossible under adverse circumstances. The event will also showcase the Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art ships and aircraft to the general public and online viewers through a live telecast.
The event will witness participation of 20 warships along with 40 aircraft comprising MiG 29K and LCA Navy as major attractions along with combat beach reconnaissance and assault demo by the Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy . The other major attractions include performance by the Naval Band, continuity drill and horn pipe dance by the SCC cadets. The event will culminate with illumination of ships at anchorage followed by laser show at Sindhudurg Fort.
This is the first time that the Indian Navy will be organising a mega event which is not taking place at any major naval station . All out efforts have been made by the Navy along with the State Government and local administration to showcase these events.
Navy Day celebrations are aimed at fostering greater outreach, renewing maritime consciousness amongst our citizens and highlight the Navy’s contributions to national security. The celebrations will bind our sailors and our people in a tighter bond.
Team Bharatshakti.in