Navy Day 2021: Celebrations kept low-key in Vizag this year

As part of the Navy Day celebrations in Vizag, three naval ships of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) were on a spectacular display. Their silhouettes were illuminated while the ships were at anchorage near RK Beach. These ships also fired coloured flares during the illumination display. 

The Navy Day celebrations also witnessed the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Vice Admiral, Biswajit Dasgupta host a ‘high tea’ in the city. It was attended by senior officials from the civil administration, veterans, and naval personnel at the Naval Institute ‘Tarang’. A  telefilm, showcasing various facets of the Indian Navy, was screened on the occasion to the guests.

To mark the eve of the Navy Day celebrations, in Vizag, the ENC’s official Navy Band, a unit of highly acclaimed naval musicians, conducted a concert at the Samudrika Naval Auditorium. In the hour-long concert, which featured artists Devika Nair and Harine Sabesan from the naval community, the band showcased its wide-ranging repertoire and prowess on Western and Indian classical instruments.

For various uncontrollable reasons, the Navy Day activities in Vizag have been toned down for the second consecutive year. It may be noted that the Naval Operations Demonstration by ENC, the most anticipated event, was not held for the second consecutive year. 

India celebrates 4 December every year as Navy Day. It is in commemoration of Operation Trident when the Missile Boats of the Indian Navy delivered a lethal and powerful missile attack on Karachi Harbour. This made way to a great victory for India during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Navy Day is in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice. This year, India celebrated the golden jubilee of the 1971 war victory. 

On this occasion, all the personnel of the Indian Navy rededicate themselves to the service of the country. They pledged to protect the vast maritime boundaries and national assets of the Indian Seaboard.

To honour the commissioning of INS Visakhapatnam, and to celebrate Navy Day 2021, Yo! Vizag held a Nautical Series, an endeavour to tell compelling stories about Vizag shores. Check them out here.