Navy Day is remembered for the Indian Navy’s Mission Trident took place in the year 1971.
The Indian Navy Day is commemorated on 4th December every year. It reminds me of Operation Trident by Indian Navy in 1971. “The Indian Navy is the core Naval branch of the Indian Armed forces and is led by the President of India as Commander-in-Chief.” Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle is known as the “Father of the Indian Navy” all around the world.
History of Navy Day:
Indian Navy, during the war of India-Pakistan in 1971, opened an attack on the Pakistani Naval Headquarters in Karachi. Almost 300 soldiers died and 700 were severely injured during the attack. “The operation was named Operation Trident.”
It is believed that almost 3 million people have died. Around 10 million people from Pakistan were sought refuge in India. When India started supporting the east Pak liberation movement, resulting in Pakistan attacked 11 Indian airbases. Operation Trident was India’s response.
There was only a single link between west and east Pakistan, Sea. India planned to strike Pak maritime unit. Pakistan was not having night fighter jets so the whole operation was postponed to sunset. The attack majorly affected and destroyed the fuel reserves of Pakistan and ammunition inventory. The attacking group is known as the Killer Squadron. The war was over on 16th December 1971with Pakistan liberating Bangladesh.
Navy Day Celebrations:
Last year in 2019, Navy Day was celebrated in a village of Kerala, Cheriya Kadamkud. Many rehabilitation and humanitarian programs were started by the Indian Navy, after the floods of August 2018 in which the navy saved 17000 people.
Many welfare activities for old age were carried out from 30th October to 2nd November. During this time naval teams reached to the underprivileged people of the society and provided them with doctors, daily use items, food, and medicines.
The yearly Military Photo exhibition is considered as a very important part of the navy week celebration, at Central Square Mall, MG Road.
The Navy Day begins with placing a wreath at the War Memorial by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, to offer respect to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Nation. Navy Day is celebrated to secure marine borders and relations with other countries through joint exercises, several missions, and relief missions.
Facts about Indian Navy:
- The First Independent Mission of the Indian Navy was for liberating Goa from the Portuguese.
- Indian Navy stands on top 10 Navies in the world.
- Indian Naval Academy in Kerala is the largest Naval academy in Asia.
- INS Vikrant is the first aircraft to be made in India
The Navy sets up a Retreat ceremony at the Gateway of India in Mumbai on Navy day eve. There is a performance by the Indian Naval Band across the places between Gateway of India and Radio Club. Most of the warships and aircraft are open to visit and see.
Punit