Indian Navy Day – December 4, 2022, history, significance
Indian Navy Day has been observed every year on December 4. The day is celebrated to honor the achievements and role of the naval force in the country. The Navy plays a significant role in securing the marine borders of the country. Indian Navy enhances the international relations of the country through seaport visits, humanitarian missions, joint exercises, calamity relief, and so on.
There is always pride in celebrating the role of the naval force, their magnificence, and their achievements to the country. The Navy Day in India commemorates the achievements and role of the navy, naval force, and navy officers of the country. The day celebrates the courageous attack on the Karachi harbor held during the Indo-Pakistan war.
History of Indian Navy Day
The first observance of the day was not known. The day celebrates the courageous attack held during the Indo-Pakistan war on the Karachi harbor on 4th December 1971 by the Indian Naval Missile boats. The Day also mourns and shows reverence to all the victims and sufferers of that war.
The Indian Navy had successfully executed Operation Trident, which was the daredevil attack against the Pakistan Naval Headquarters in Karachi. The operation had marked the first use of anti-ship missiles in that region.
It did irreparable damage to the Karachi port during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. December 4th in each year is celebrated as the Indian Navy Day that commemorates this victory and achievement.
In the Operation Trident attack, the Indian Navy had sunk four Pakistani vessels and destroyed the Karachi harbor fuel fields. In this attack, three missile boats of India had played a pivotal role in attaining this victory. They were the missile boats that belong to the Vidyut class, and it includes INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer.
Major damage was done to the Pakistani Navy by sinking a minesweeper, ammunition supply ship, and a destroyer. The Day also pays homage to those naval soldiers who had laid down their lives during the war. The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy is The President of India.
The Chief of Naval Staff and a four-star Admiral commands the navy. Indian Navy is considered to be one of the most potent maritime forces in the world and the most lethal in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy draws its origins back to the East India Company’s Marine that was founded in 1612 to guard the British merchant shipping in the region.
The strength of the Indian Navy includes 58,350 personnel, an aircraft carrier, a big transport dock, 15 frigates, 24 corvettes, and 8 guided-missile destroyers. It also has 13 conventional submarines, 30 patrol vessels, 1 nuclear attack submarine, 7 mine countermeasure vessels including a variety of auxiliary ships.
How to Celebrate the day
Celebrating the day is quite simple. You can visit the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command where several events will be conducted. Spend some time watching the various kinds of aircraft flying over the sky. Take your children to visit aircraft and warships of the Indian Navy as they are made open for public viewing.
Learn to know more about the historic significance of the Indian Navy from a trusted source. Salute those naval officers who are doing an incredible service for the nation. Post your views and celebrations on social media using the hashtag #IndianNavyDay.
