Bhubaneswar, Dec 4 (IANS): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday expressed confidence that the Indian Navy will continue to ensure maritime security, essential "to enable our rise to a Viksit Bharat by 2047".
Attending the Navy Day celebrations in Odisha's coastal city of Puri, President Murmu said: "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."
She further added that with 63 ships being built in India, the Navy's single-minded focus to be an Atmanirbhar force by 2047 provides inspiration to all Indians to pursue innovation in 'Mission Mode'.
The President also said that it is a matter of pride for every Indian that India is today one of the only six nations in the world that has the capability to design, build and operate both a Ballistic Missile Nuclear Submarine and an Aircraft Carrier.
She also praised the Indian Navy for becoming 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 Navy 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’.
President Murmu remembered the glorious victory of India in 1971 war and supreme sacrifices made by Naval personnel in the service 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," said Murmu.
The President also complimented the Indian Navy for a well-coordinated and well-conducted Operational Demonstration that has given a glimpse to the citizens of how the Navy operates at sea.
She also thanked the Indian Navy for choosing Puri as the venue for the operational demonstration.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi in his address during the programme thanked the state government and the local administration for their proactive support to the Navy during the planning and execution of the event.
Several dignitaries including Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also witnessed the spectacular show of the prowess of the Indian Navy during Operational Demonstrations on the occasion of Navy Day celebrations.
Notably, the Navy Day is celebrated to commemorate Operation Trident which was the attack on the Karachi harbour during the India-Pakistan War on December 4, 1971.