Source : The Pioneer
 |
| The Ports or cities where Indian Navy warships will berth to celebrate 75 years of Indian Independence in all continents around the world |
The Indian Navy ships are visiting ports in all the continents as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence. The ships will hoist the national flag onboard on August 15 in these ports spread across six continents and six different time zones.
Giving details here on Saturday about this unique event, officials said the flag will be hoisted in the presence of the Indian diaspora and distinguished local dignitaries.
Other activities being planned include official calls by the Indian Navy crew on senior leadership of the host country, participation by the naval contingent at the Flag Hoisting Ceremony in the respective Embassies and band performance at a prominent public place. Also, the ship will be open to visitors, school children and Indian diaspora with a deck reception and various cultural events to be organised by the Indian Embassies.
At London, the crew of INS Tarangini will pay homage to the Indian soldiers, who gave the supreme sacrifice during the two World Wars, at the Commonwealth Memorial gates. Similarly, a ceremonial wreath laying by the Indian ship is scheduled at the Kranji War Memorial and the Indian National Marker(INA)Marker at Singapore.
At Mombasa (Kenya), the naval crew will participate in the inauguration of a commemorative pillar in the Battlefield area of Taita Taveta region where Indian soldiers fought and sacrificed their lives whilst serving under East Africa campaign of World War One.
The commemorative events will also include battlefield tours, a mobile exhibition and a Light and Sound show at Fort Jesus highlighting the contribution of the Indian soldiers in World War one as well as India’s struggle for independence.
The visits to foreign ports include Muscat and Singapore(Asia), Mombasa, Kenya(Africa), Perth(Australia), San Diego(USA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil(South America) and London(Europe).
The 75th year of India’s Independence, marked by Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, is an occasion to reinvigorate and re-emphasise India’s maritime moorings, officials said.
Towards this, a large number of activities were undertaken by the Indian Navy over the last one year both within the country and abroad.
Commemorative ship visits to 75 Indian ports in the year 2021-22, President’s Fleet Review* aligned with the 75th year of independence, ‘Lokayan 2022 (sail ship expedition)’, display of monumental national flag at Mumbai, community outreach programs across all coastal districts of India, ‘freedom run’ in various cities, sailing regattas and mountaineering and cycling expeditions. The Navy also felicitated gallantry award winners and war veterans (born in or before 1947).
