'Call of the Blue Waters': India celebrates Navy Day; showcases naval prowess

Visakhapatnam: For the first time, Navy Day Celebrations were held outside National Capital. This year, as India ushers in the 'Amrit Kaal' with the commencement of the celebrations of 75 years of her independence, the Indian Navy demonstrated India's combat prowess and capability through an 'Operational Demonstration' on Navy Day.

President, Droupadi Murmu, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, witnessed the operational demonstration as the Guest of Honour. Several dignitaries from the central and state governments also attended the event, which was hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff.

Capabilities of Indian Naval ships, submarines, aircraft, helicopters, and Special Forces from the Eastern, Western, and Southern Naval Command were showcased during the event. The event concluded with Beating Retreat, a sunset ceremony, and illumination by ships at anchorage.

A book on Naval history titled 'A Decade of Transformation - Signalling Power and Partnerships' was released by President. In addition, commemorating the event a Navy Telefilm, a movie on the Navy Wellness and Welfare Association, and a new naval song titled 'Call of the Blue Waters' written by Prasoon Joshi and sung by Shankar Mahadevan were also released.

On this occasion, the new President's Standard, a new Indian Navy Crest, and the CNS Standard were unveiled on the occasion. The new President's Standard was displayed for the first time during the naval Guard of Honour inspected by the Hon'ble President on her arrival at Visakhapatnam.

The event was also witnessed by Biswabhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State for Defence, and a host of dignitaries from the Armed Forces and the State Government, as well as citizens of Visakhapatnam City.

Navy Day celebrations are aimed at fostering greater outreach, renewing maritime consciousness amongst our citizens, and highlighting the Navy's contributions towards national security.

More than a few lakh citizens of Visakhapatnam witnessed the Op Demo.