Western Naval Command commemorates 1946 Naval Uprising in Mumbai

New Delhi: The Naval Uprising of 1946, a landmark event in the freedom movement, was commemorated today by the Indian Navy as part of the Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav marking 75 years of India's Independence.

The Mumbai-based Western Naval Command, the sword arm of the Indian Navy, organised functions on the occasion.

The 'Naval Uprising of 1946' began in the morning with a Prabhat Pheri, a short awareness walk on Marine Drive, commencing at the National Centre for Performing Arts. Accompanied by the Navy Band playing patriotic tunes, the walk comprised naval veterans, Sea Cadet Corps cadets and school children.

Wreaths were laid at the Naval Uprising Memorial, Cooperage, by veterans, serving personnel and invited dignitaries, in a solemn naval ceremony. The Navy Band stated performances for the public at the Memorial and at Marine Drive on the occasion.

The event of Naval Uprising, which had shaken the very foundation of the British Raj in India, started onboard HMIS Talwar in Mumbai on February 18, 1946, against the colonial government in India. From that initial flashpoint, it spread rapidly and found support throughout India, from Karachi to Kolkata, and ultimately came to involve over 20,000 sailors in 78 ships and shore establishments.

It also received an upsurge of support from civilians all across, with thousands of people in Mumbai taking to the streets to strengthen.

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