INDIA. Mumbai: As part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence, commemorative visits are being undertaken by Indian Navy ships to foreign ports spread across six Continents, three Oceans, and in six different Time Zones, except Antarctica.
The schedule
Asia: INS Chennai and INS Betwa will visit Muscat, Oman, and INS Saryu will visit Singapore.
Africa: INS Trikand will visit Mombasa, Kenya. (Australia): INS Sumedha will visit Perth, Australia.
North America: INS Satpura will visit San Diego, USA.
South America: INS Tarkash will visit Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Europe: INS Tarangini will visit London, UK.
Various activities and events are being planned at each of these ports by Indian Missions on August 15, during the visit by IN Ships. The most significant amongst these would be the hoisting of the national tri-colour flag onboard these ships in the presence of the Indian diaspora and distinguished local dignitaries, an Indian Navy statement said.
Other planned activities include official calls by the Indian crew on the senior leadership of the host nation, participation by the Indian contingent and Guard at the Flag-hoisting ceremonies in the respective Embassies, a band performance in a prominent public space or auditorium, opening the ship to visitors, inviting schoolchildren and members of the Indian diaspora on board, hosting a reception on the deck, and taking part in various cultural events sponsored by Indian Embassies.
London
In London (UK), the crew of INS Tarangini would be paying homage to the Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the two World Wars at the Commonwealth Memorial gates. Similarly, a ceremonial wreath laying by the IN ship crew/ delegation is scheduled at Kranji War Memorial and the INA Marker in Singapore.
Kenya
At Mombassa (Kenya), the IN crew will participate in the inauguration of a commemorative pillar in the Battlefield area of the “Taita Taveta” region, where Indian soldiers fought and sacrificed their lives whilst serving in the East Africa campaign of World War – I.
The commemorative events will also include battlefield tours, a mobile exhibition, and a Light and Sound show at Fort Jesus, Mombassa, highlighting the contribution of the Indian soldiers in WW-I as well as India’s struggle for independence.
In the 75th year of India’s Independence, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” is an occasion to reinvigorate and reemphasize India’s maritime moorings. Towards this, the IN statement added a large number of activities had been undertaken by the Indian Navy over the last year, both within the country and abroad.
The year-long program commenced last year and included: Commemorative ship visits to 75 Indian ports in the year 2021-22, the President’s Fleet Review aligned with the 75th year of independence, “Lokayan 2022” (sail ship expedition), display of the monumental national flag at Mumbai and community outreach programs across all coastal districts of India.
Besides freedom run at various cities, sailing regattas, mountaineering/ cycling expeditions, blood donation camps, coastal cleanup efforts, seminars/ events on India’s rich maritime heritage, and felicitation of gallantry award winners and war veterans (born in or before 1947) were some of the prominent events undertaken.
Durand Cup Trophy
In another development, the Indian Navy hosted the trophy tour of the Durand Cup Football Tournament at Western Naval Command, Mumbai, on Friday. The tournament’s 131st edition is scheduled from August 16 onwards at Kolkata. The Indian Army team conducting the tournament visited guided missile destroyer INS Chennai, submarine INS Shankul and helicopter base INS Shikra to showcase the trophy.
The tournament was started in 1888 by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, then Foreign Secretary to the Govt of India, and the Indian Army conducted it on behalf of the three Services. Top teams from the country comprising national and international players participate in it.
Also Read: A Nationwide Events As Part Of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” Launched
