ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF NAVY DAY

I am glad to be here at Puri to witness the Operational Demonstration conducted by the Indian Navy. Let me begin by offering my greetings to you and all personnel of the Indian Navy on the occasion of Navy Day!Today, on the 4 th of December, we celebrate our glorious victory in the 1971 war and commemorate the selfless service and supreme sacrifice made by naval personnel in defence of the motherland.

I would also like to recall the sacrifice and courage of Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, a brave naval officer who demonstrated exceptional valour and leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. As the Commanding Officer of INS Khukri, he played a crucial role in several key operations and eventually laid down his life. Recently, I had the opportunity to pay homage to him during my visit to Diu.

India is grateful to you and every Indian salutes you for serving the nation with honour and courage. As your Supreme Commander, I am proud of each one of you for your professionalism, passion and patriotism which was on display here moments ago.

I must compliment you for a well-coordinated and well-conducted Operational Demonstration that has given a glimpse to our fellow citizens of how our Navy operates at sea. I consider myself fortunate to have interacted with you all closely over the last two years. On every such occasion, as is the case today, I have felt reassured of the security of our seas.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

India’s geography has endowed us with all elements necessary to be a great maritime nation. A long coastline, island territories, seafaringpopulation and developed maritime infrastructure encouraged India’s maritime activities along the coast and across the oceans from more than 5,000 years ago. We were among the pioneers in oceanic transport. Our shipbuilding prowess and ability to harness the monsoon wind patterns enabled us to dominate the seaborne trade.

With a glorious maritime heritage and history to look back upon and a future full of promise to look forward to, India has always been a strong maritime nation – our fortunes, glory and identity being defined by the seas.

As India’s economy grows and our interests and influence expand across the globe, I am confident that the Indian Navy will continue to ensure maritime security, essential to enable our rise to a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

I compliment the Navy for choosing the city of Puri as the venue for today’s events. Puri’s rich maritime past is linked to the ancient territorial sub-division of Kalinga which included much of present-day Odisha. Ancient Kalinga had vibrant maritime linkages and extensive shipbuilding activities to supplement the flourishing trade.

That glorious past is going to be reflected into the future that is taking shape here in Odisha at INS Chilka, where young boys and girls from across the country train to become Agniveers in the service of the Navy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the last year, the Navy has been at the forefront of all operational activities in the region – ensuring safety of seafarers and security of maritime trade, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while thwarting illegal drug trafficking at sea that funds terrorist activities that endanger our national security. The seamless integration of advanced technology, tactical acumen and sheer courage on display today aptly showcase the evolution of our Navy into a combat-ready, future-ready and credible force.

With 63 ships being built in India, the Navy’s single-minded focus to bean Atmanirbhar force by 2047 provides inspiration to all of us to pursue innovation in ‘Mission Mode.’ It is a matter of pride for every Indian that we are today one of only six nations in the world that have the capability to design, build and operate both a Ballistic Missile Nuclear Submarine and an Aircraft Carrier.

The Navy’s pioneering efforts in providing appropriate growth avenuesto ‘Nari Shakti’ are especially praiseworthy. The Navy was the first service to induct women Agniveers and continues to ensure that ‘All Ranks and All Roles’ including combat functions are available to all women. In fact, two women naval officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa, provide the best example of this new paradigm, as they circumnavigate the globe in INSV Tarini as part of the ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama II’.

I compliment the Indian Navy for the successful conduct of today’s event and for their drive, determination and dedication to duty. I wish the Indian Navy the very best for all future endeavours.

शं नो वरुणः May the God of the Oceans be auspicious unto us. May the Indian Navy always be victorious!

Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!