Indian Navy Day
History, Significance, Celebration, and Key Facts
The Indian Navy played a crucial role during the war. To commemorate the attack and to pay tribute to all the Navy personnel who sacrificed their lives serving the nation, Indian Navy Day is observed.
The Indian Navy is a three-dimensional force that operates above, on, and under the ocean's surface to safeguard our country's interests. Its main agenda is to improve its state of affairs in the Indian Ocean Zone. Various events take place on this day with different themes each year.
Indian Navy Day 2022 Date
Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 every year to honour the efforts & role of the Indian Navy in Operation Trident conducted during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971.
Indian Navy Day History - Why is the Day Celebrated?
Do you know, “When was the Indian Navy founded?” It was established in 1612 by the East India Company. During the Indo-Pak War in 1971, Pakistan launched an attack on December 3 on Indian air bases. In response to their offensive attacks, the Indian Navy planned an attack on the night of December 4 & 5, as Pakistan didn’t have the aircraft to carry out bombings.
The Indian Navy targeted the Pakistan Naval Headquarters of Karachi during Operation Trident. It launched three missile boats, INS Veer, INS Nipat and INS Nirghat, and Vidyut-class boats, towards Karachi and sank three Pakistani Navy ships, including PNS Khaibar. There were hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel killed during the attack. Commodore Kasargod Pattanashetti Gopal Rao led the whole operation of the Indian Navy.
To celebrate the success of the Indian Navy, Indian Navy Day is observed in the whole country. People wish happy Indian Navy Day to each other, marking the sign of tribute to the Navy and creating awareness about the difficulties faced by the personnel in the war.
Indian Navy Day 2022 - Significance
At the Senior Naval Officer’s Conference in May 1972, Indian Navy Day was decided to be celebrated on December 4 to acknowledge the efforts & achievements of the Indian Navy during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
It is important to educate the children and the citizens of India about the significance and victory of India. Celebrating Indian Navy Day is about increasing awareness about the Navy among the general public.
Indian Navy Day 2022 is celebrated to signify the victory of Operation Trident in Karachi by the Indian Naval Missile boats. During this day, the general public can get an opportunity to see the warships and aircrafts of the Indian Naval at the Naval festival. Also, the Military Photo Exhibition is organised by the journalists of the Ernakulum in the festival.
Additionally, the Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT) organises a community service from the 24th to the 26th of November at Good Hope Old Age Home, Fort Karachi, where the students participate in entertaining naval doctors with games and various other activities. Additionally, Navy Ball, Navy Queen, and many other contests are also held in the Navy festival.
Indian Navy Day Theme 2022
Every year, a different theme is proposed to celebrate Indian Navy Day. The theme for Indian Navy Day 2022 is ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’, marking 50 years of India’s victory in the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. Last year, the theme was “Indian Navy Combat Ready, Credible & Cohesive”.
How is Indian Navy Day Celebrated?
In remembrance of the devastating attack on the naval base of Pakistan on 4th December, the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, with headquarters in Mumbai, celebrates the day by bringing their ships & sailors together. Also, various activities & events are organised by the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam. It starts with a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial and is followed by a demonstration to show the skills of the naval submarines, ships, aircraft, and other forces.
During the week of Indian Navy Day, several events are held, such as ships are open for the public & students, an open sea swimming competition, Indian Navy Inter School Quiz Competitions, veteran mariners lunch, performances by the Naval Symphonic Orchestra, tattoo ceremony, Marathon and many more.