On December 4 of every year, India celebrates its national Navy Day to honor its Naval forces and appreciate their contributions. The day is marked specially to commemorate the launch of Operation Trident against Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani War in 1971. The Indian Navy played a significant role in this war, and the country remembers and pays tribute to the marines who sacrificed their lives in the operation on December 4.
History & Significance
The Indian Navy was established by the East India Company in 1612 during British rule. Post India's independence, the Indo-Pak war took place in 1971. During the war, Pak attacked Indian airports on December 3 in 1971, in response to which the Indian Navy planned attacks on the night of December 4 and 5 December, as Pakistan did not have aircraft to counter the move.
Hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel were killed during the attack. Commodore Kasargod Pattanshetty Gopal Rao led the entire operation along with various troops in his command. Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year to celebrate the success of Operation Trident against Pakistan.
How is the day celebrated?
In the week prior to Navy Day, blood donation drives, photo exhibits, and open tours of warships are held. While for the first time ever, the primary Navy Day celebration will take place outside of Delhi this year.
Today in Visakhapatnam, the Navy's might will be on display by the ships, submarines, and Special Forces from the Eastern, Western, and Southern Naval Commands.
The ceremony at dusk and the illumination of the anchored ships will mark the event's conclusion.
Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be hosting the gathering, and President Droupadi Murmu will be the honoree. Government officials from the federal and state levels will also be present.
This year's festivities were particularly noteworthy since India is celebrating 75 years of freedom.
The Indian Navy is prepared to demonstrate India's fighting strength and capabilities through a "Operational Demonstration" this year as India ushers in the "Amrit Kaal" with the start of the festivities of her 75th anniversary of independence, the government stated.
