Indian Navy celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 6 continents

New Delhi: Except for Antarctica, Indian Navy ships are making commemorative visits to foreign ports on all six continents, as part of the celebration of 75th Independence day. As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, various activities and events are being planned at each of these ports by Indian Missions on August 15, 2022, during the visit by IN Ships. The most significant amongst these would be the hoisting of our tri colour onboard these ships in the presence of Indian diaspora and distinguished local dignitaries. This event is spread across six Continents, three Oceans, and six different Time Zones.

Other activities being planned include official calls by IN crew on the senior leadership of the host country, participation by IN contingent/ Guard at the Flag Hoisting Ceremony in the respective Embassies, band performance at a prominent public place/ auditorium, ship open to visitors, visit by school children/ Indian diaspora, deck reception and various cultural events as organised by Indian Embassies.

To celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in London (UK), the crew of INS Tarangini would be paying homage to the Indian soldiers. They gave the supreme sacrifice during the two World Wars, at the Commonwealth Memorial gates. Similarly, a ceremonial wreath laying by the IN ship crew/ delegation is scheduled at Kranji War Memorial and the INA Marker in Singapore. At Mombassa (Kenya), the IN crew will participate in the inauguration of a commemorative pillar in the Battlefield area of the Taita Taveta region where Indian soldiers fought and sacrificed their lives whilst serving in the East Africa campaign of World War-I. 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 WWI and India's struggle for independence.

The 75th year of India's Independence Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an occasion to reinvigorate and reemphasise India's maritime moorings. Towards this, a large number of activities have been undertaken by the Indian Navy over the last 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 the monumental national flag at Mumbai, community outreach programs across all coastal districts of India, freedom run at various cities, sailing regattas, mountaineering/ cycling expeditions, blood donation camps, coastal cleanup efforts, seminars/ events on India's rich maritime heritage, and felicitation of gallantry award winners and war veterans (born in or before 1947) are some of the prominent events undertaken.

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