By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN, 4 Dec: Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a program held at the National Hydrographic Office on Rajpur Road, marking Navy Day on Wednesday. During the event, they also launched the book ‘Indian List of Radio Signals Volume 1-2’.
In his address, the Governor recalled the achievements of the Indian Navy during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, specifically ‘Operation Trident’. He emphasized that this day serves as an opportunity to honor the valor of the Indian Navy and all those who have sacrificed their lives in the defense of maritime interests. The Governor extended Navy Day greetings to all citizens, stating that the Indian Navy is a matter of pride for the entire nation.
Lt Gen Singh also highlighted the important role of the National Hydrographic Office (NHO) in ensuring the security of India’s maritime boundaries. By precisely mapping seas and waterways, the NHO strengthens the Navy and Coast Guard’s ability to protect national interests. He commended the recent survey of inland water bodies, particularly the successful surveys of Pangong Tso Lake and Nainital Lake, showcasing the NHO’s dedication to national development and conservation.
The Governor emphasized that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and satellite remote sensing hold the potential to revolutionize naval operations, ensuring India’s leadership in maritime strength. He also acknowledged the dedication of the country’s armed forces and their role in India’s maritime capabilities, noting that over two-thirds of the Navy‘s modernization budget in the past five to six years has been spent on indigenous purchases.
Furthermore, the Governor remarked on the importance of understanding the visionary approach of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who established a powerful naval force for India, and emphasized the growing role of women in India’s defense forces, as well as the nation’s progress toward self-reliance under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in his address, conveyed Navy Day greetings and expressed gratitude for the bravery and dedication of the Indian Navy. He mentioned the pivotal role the Navy played on December 4, 1971, during Operation Trident in thwarting enemy plans. He also acknowledged the Navy‘s role in safeguarding India’s maritime borders and its efforts in humanitarian missions during times of disaster. The Chief Minister highlighted India’s strides toward self-reliance, particularly in the manufacturing of naval ships and submarines.
The event was also attended by Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania, Admiral Piyush Pawsey, Joint Chief Hydrographer, Vice Adm VL Koppikar (Retd), Vice Adm Anurag Thapliyal (Retd), Vice Adm Vinay Badhwar (Retd), and other distinguished officers.
