ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF CALL ON BY THE OFFICERS OF INDIAN NAVAL MATERIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE AND INDIAN NAVAL ARMAMENT SERVICE

I congratulate you all for opting for a career that provides you an opportunity to serve the Indian Navy. You have to play a key role in ensuring safety and security of the nation by equipping the Indian Navy with armament and other material resources at all times. Therefore, you all must be feeling proud to be selected as the managers of logistic support and armament supply for the guardians of country’s maritime interests.

Dear officers,

Each of you would have put in lot of hard work to reach this prestigious position. Your perseverance, determination and smart study have helped you achieve your goals. It is now imperative that you work with a new zeal and higher level of dedication for securing the national interests.

I can see few women officers in this gathering today. I am happy to note that women officers are joining these services. Women are now entering unexplored fields and making a mark. It is heartening to note that our defence forces are also encouraging more women to join and giving them new opportunities to rise in their career. I am happy to know that the Indian Navy has opened doors of all branches of officer cadre for women and is also taking other initiatives for gender equality. I am confident that the women officers present here today will inspire many more women to join these services.

Dear officers,

These days, countries world-over, are paying greater attention than ever, to their maritime goals and are expanding maritime cooperation and undertaking joint exercises. With India emerging as a global power, the need for supporting Indian Navy through efficient logistic management using the most advanced technology, cannot be over emphasized. Both these services are vital for the smooth functioning of Indian Navy especially during these times of geo-political churning.

I am happy to note that both these services have adapted to the evolving ecosystem of the field of maritime security. I am told that the Naval Armament Organization (NAO) has, over the time, transformed itself from a maintenance and storage organization to an innovative and tech-savvy organization. I am also told that NAO even provides handholding to DRDO and other Research and Development organizations regarding the indigenous weapons. I am confident that such steps will go a long way in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Indian Naval Material Management Service officers have a major role to play in ensuring the availability of material from time to time, to facilitate operational readiness of Indian Navy. You must make effective use of latest technology to improve the service delivery system. You, young officers, need to come up with innovative approach to make inventory management and service delivery, super-efficient and seamless.

Dear officers,

Here I would also like to highlight your responsibility towards our environment. While undertaking various projects, you should ensure that the projects are energy efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable. We all are bound to give a healthy, safe and happy planet to our future generations. As engineers, you are the ones, who can actually play a huge role in ensuring this by conceiving and implementing environmentally sound initiatives.

In the end, I extend my best wishes to all of you for a shining career and bright future.

Thank you, 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!