The Indian Navy is the glorious guardian of our seas and has proved its mettle time and again. It’s only right that a day has been allotted to celebrate the achievements of our naval forces and the huge role they have played in the welfare of the nation. The Indian Navy played a pivotal role in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistan war with the launch of Operation Trident which was a game-changer.To commemorate the attack and appreciate the work the Navy does, Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4th December. It’s also a great way to raise awareness about the Indian Navy among the masses. In fact, the theme for Indian Navy Day in 2022 was ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to mark 50 years of India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.
Indian Navy Day History
Indian Navy Day history goes back as far as 1612 when it was established by the East India Company. The Indian Navy today is a powerful three dimensional force which operates above, on and under the surface of the oceans and safeguards our country’s interests.It is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces and works under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff with the President of India as the Commander-in-Chief. Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle, the Maratha emperor during the 17th century is referred to as the ‘Father of the Indian Navy’.
The Indian Navy plays a vital role in securing the maritime borders of the country and strives to improve international relations through joint exercises, seaport visits and philanthropic missions. Indian Navy Day is observed every year on 4th December to honour and celebrate the brave attack on the Karachi harbour during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971 by the Indian Naval Missile. This day commemorates the glory and great achievements of the Navy. Operation Trident used anti-ship missiles for the first time and effectively brought an end to the Indo-Pakistan war. was used.
During the Indo-Pakistan War, Pakistan attacked Indian air bases on 3rd December. In response to these attacks, the Indian Navy planned an attack on the night of 4th December. The Pakistan Naval Headquarters at Karachi were targeted during Operation Trident under the leadership of Commodore Kasargod Pattanashetti Gopal Rao. Three missile boats were launched — INS Veer, INS Nirghat and INS Nipat as well as Vidyut-class boats. Three Pakistani Navy ships which included PNS Khaibar were sunk. To celebrate the success of this operation, Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4th December.
Significance of Indian Navy Day
It’s important to know when Indian Navy Day is celebrated. 4th December is celebrated every year to honour the Indian Navy’s counter-attack during Operation Trident. This day recognises the achievements and accomplishments of the Indian Navy during this operation in the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. The Indian Navy played a vital role during the war and it’s important to commemorate the attack and pay tribute to all the Navy personnel who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. At the Senior Naval Officer’s Conference that took place in May 1972, it was decided to celebrate Indian Navy Day on December 4 to acknowledge these achievements. It is imperative to create awareness among the children and the citizens of India about the significance and victory of the Indian Navy. On this day, the public gets an opportunity to view the warships and aircrafts at the Naval festival. Every year, Indian Navy Day is celebrated on a different theme.
Indian Navy Day Celebration
All 3 Commands of the Indian Navy celebrate this day with great pomp and show at their headquarters in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Kochi. The Western Naval Command in Mumbai celebrates this occasion by bringing together all its ships and sailors. Navy Day activities are planned and coordinated by the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. Wreaths are laid at the war memorial and the navy submarines, ships and aircraft demonstrate their skills in a practical demonstration. People are reminded of the daredevil attack on the naval base at Karachi by the Indian Navy.
All through the week of Indian Navy Day many events are held to celebrate this momentous day. Ships are open for the public, an open sea swimming competition is held, Indian Navy Inter School Quiz Competitions are conducted and a veteran mariners lunch is held. The Naval Symphonic Orchestra puts up a spectacular performance, a tattoo ceremony, Marathon and many other activities are conducted. Social media is full of quotes on Navy Day by Netizens.
Indian Navy Day celebration gives the people an opportunity to view warships and aircrafts of the Navy on this day. Journalists from Ernakulam present the Military Photo Exhibition at the Naval Festival. Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology organises a community service project from 24th to 26th November at the Good Hope Old Age Home, Fort Kochi. Students offer their help to the naval doctors with games and entertainment for the patients and the Navy Fest hosts Navy Balls, Navy Queens and other contests.
Indian Navy Day: Key Facts
- The Indian Navy is the maritime division of the Indian Armed Forces and the Chief of Naval Staff is its operational and administrative head. It is under the Ministry of Defence and the President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief.
- The Navy has 3 Commands, each of which is under a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief. The Western Naval Command has its headquarters at Mumbai, The Eastern Naval Command has its headquarters at Visakhapatnam and the Southern Naval Command has its headquarters at Kochi.
- The Navy carries out its operations above, on and below the ocean surface to protect the nation and improve its situation in the Indian Ocean Zone.
- 4th December is celebrated every year to commemorate the achievements of the Indian Navy. It also honours the start of Operation Trident against Pakistan with the brave attack on the harbour of Karachi which brought about the end of the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. We honour the Navy’s glory, achievement and importance on this day.
- During Operation Trident, anti-ship missiles were used for the first time on the night of 4th December 1971.
- The Indian Navy protects the maritime borders of the country and also enhances India’s international relations through seaport visits, philanthropic missions, joint exercises and upheaval assistance. It also works to improve conditions in the Indian Ocean region.
- The Indian Navy employs over 70,000 people and has 150 yachts with submarines.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is regarded as the ‘Father of the Indian Navy’.
The Indian Navy plays an insurmountable role in protecting the waters surrounding our country and also improves international relations. The Indian Navy effectively put an end to the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971 with Operation Trident and won accolades for itself. Till date, 4th December is celebrated every year as Navy Day to commemorate this superior force. Several cultural activities take place at the Gateway of India to bring about awareness of the importance of the Indian Navy among the people.
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