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We can see the dawn openly and we can hear the stream water sound calmly as we have our opportunity. We have brave men who protect our country. Men in white are the brave hearts.
Introduction
To recognize the achievements and role of Indian navy to the country, 4th December is celebrated as Indian Navy day. This day is celebrated on 4th December since the year 1972 because of the fact that during the year 1971, Operation Trident (attack on Karachi harbor) was carried out by Indian navy. They sank the four Pakistani vessels which included PNS Khalibar and killed hundreds of Pakistani personnel. This day is also observed to pay homage to those who were martyred in the Indo- Pakistan war of 1971. Theme of this year on Indian Navy day is "Indian Navy Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive"
About the Father of Indian Navy
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja is called the father of Indian navy because he was the first one to recognize the importance of having a naval force and established a strategic navy and forts on the coastline of Maharashtra. He was the first one to make realize the power of sea. Daulat khan and Mayank Bhandari were appointed as joint chiefs of his navy, which helped in building the several sea ports.
Sea ports were built on the coastline of Maharashtra and there was naval presence across the coast of Konkan and Goa to protect sea trade but away from the existing sea powers like Portuguese, British and the Siddi. Local fisher folks were also enrolled in the navy of Shivaji. In the year 1665 Maharaja Shivaji decided to test the preparedness of his fledgling Navy. And by the year 1680, The Maratha navy had become a formidable force. It was all the efforts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja. In the words of Shivaji’s prime minister Ramachandra Pant Amatya, “Navy is an independent sphere of the state. He who has the navy rules the waves”
History of Indian Navy
In 1612, Marine force was developed to protect the trade ships of East India Company. After 1830 the name Marine force was changed to ‘His majesty’s Indian Navy’. In 1892, Royal Indian marine was established and thereafter in 1934 its name was changed to Royal Indian Navy.
Navy center was earlier established in Mumbai but then in 1941 it was shifted to Delhi. In 1947 it was divided into Royal Indian Navy and Royal Pakistan Navy. On 15 August 1947 rear admiral JTS Hall, RIN was appointed as India’s first flag officer commanding Royal Indian Navy. On 26 January 1950, the sign of royal was changed to the sign of Ashok Pillar. In 1972 on 4th December first Indian Navy Day was celebrated.
Importance of Indian Navy
The main objective of Indian Navy is to protect the safeguard the nation’s maritime borders. It also provides humanitarian reliefs in case of natural accidents, disasters, floods and many other circumstances. India’s Defense minister also praised our Indian navy for its efforts amid the pandemic of the operation performed by him named “Operation Samudra Setu” which has contributed extensively to the national interest. The navy played an instrumental role in bringing home almost 4000 people from neighboring countries in the Indian Ocean region.
“Mission Sagar” was another important mission in which medical aid was provided to the island countries of southwest Indian Ocean region. Indian Navy has always played strategic role in helping the country in the most difficult times. It’s our duty to give respect to these personnel. They are kind of backbone to our nation. In concluding lines I would like to say a few lines in the honor of these brave white men.
“A country can be free if it has heroes guarding it with love for the nation in their hearts”
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