As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence, the Navy is undertaking commemorative visits to foreign ports spread across six continents, three oceans and six different time zones.
“Various activities and events are being planned at each of these ports by Indian Missions on August 15 during the visit. The most significant amongst these would be the hoisting of our tricolour onboard these ships in the presence of Indian diaspora and distinguished local dignitaries,” the Navy said in a statement on Saturday.
Other activities being planned include official calls by Indian Navy crew on senior leadership of host country, participation by Naval contingent 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 and Indian diaspora, deck reception and various cultural events as organised by Indian Embassies, the statement said.
The deployments include INS Chennai and INS Betwa to Muscat, Oman and INS Saryu to Singapore (Asia); INS Trikand to Mombasa, Kenya (Africa); INS Sumedha to Perth, Australia; INS Satpura to San Diego, US (North America); INS Tarkash to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (South America) and INS Tarangini to London, UK (Europe).
At London, the crew of INS Tarangini would be paying homage to the Indian soldiers, who made supreme sacrifice during the two World Wars, at the Commonwealth Memorial gates. Similarly, a ceremonial wreath laying by the Naval delegation is scheduled at Kranji War Memorial and the INA Marker at Singapore, the Navy said.
At Mombassa, Kenya, Navy crew will participate in the inauguration of a commemorative pillar in the battlefield area of Taita Taveta region where Indian soldiers fought whilst serving under 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 WW-I as well as India’s struggle for independence,” the Navy added.
