Coastal town of Basrur in Karnataka too is observing 355th anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj’s first victory at sea today.
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented ‘Colour’ to the INS Shivaji in Lonavala, Maharashtra today.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that INS Shivaji has distinguished itself with stellar service to the nation over the years. It has a proud record of professional excellence, and has discharged its responsibilities with distinction. The nation salutes it for its dedication and devotion to duty. We are all proud of achievements of INS Shivaji and appreciate its remarkable contribution to the Indian Navy.
The President said that a nation’s maritime interests are usually also linked to its economy and the well-being of its people. He noted that about 90 per cent of our trade, by volume, is handled by sea routes. He said that this enhances the role of the Indian Navy not just in national security but also in economic security, and thus in the wider process of nation building. As INS Shivaji completes 75 years of excellence, let us introspect and reflect on the journey so far and also glance at the future. Technology is leapfrogging to produce autonomous vessels. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being deployed for decision-making and warfighting. The training of marine engineers will also need to be tailored to train them to work with evolving technologies, while maintaining competence in the core engineering profession. I am confident that INS Shivaji would impart the skill set required in the future to all trainees passing out through its portals.
A nation’s maritime interests are usually also linked to its economy and the well-being of its people. I am told about 90 per cent of our trade, by volume, is handled by sea routes. This enhances the role of the Indian Navy not just in national security but also in economic security, and thus in the wider process of nation building. The Navy is India’s chief instrument of its sea power. It is also the guardian of the nation’s maritime interests, both military and civilian. The nation is proud of the Navy’s commitment in protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and also extending a helping hand in times of civil emergencies.
Considering the entire world as one family and moving forward with the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam’ (world is one family), India is constantly meeting its global responsibilities. I am glad to know that recently, the Indian Navy launched ‘Operation Vanila’ to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane. India and Madagascar are connected through Indian Ocean Region. I had the honour of visiting the island nation in 2018. I am particularly happy that India was one of the first respondent to come to the rescue of our Malagasy brothers and sisters.
The President said that as a leading power, India plays a crucial role in shaping the global paradigm with respect to international security, trade and commerce. India’s rise in the international order has been fuelled by many factors including the capabilities and valour of our armed forces. He expressed confidence that INS Shivaji would continue to excel and grow in stature and accomplishments while discharging its role and responsibilities with professionalism and competence.
History of INS Shivaji
INS Shivaji was commissioned in 1945 as HMIS Shivaji. Since then, it has dynamically evolved into a premier technical training institution of the Indian Navy with state-of-the-art training facilities. The institution has kept pace with the rapidly changing technologies in all aspects of marine engineering. It is located close to the Bhushi Dam.
The motto of INS Shivaji is, ‘Karmasu Kaushalam’. It means “Skill at Work”. It is indeed an apt motto. I am confident that INS Shivaji will continue to excel and grow in stature and accomplishments while discharging its role and responsibilities with professionalism and competence.
INS Shivaji has three premier institutions viz. Centre of Marine Engineering and Technology (CMET), Centre of Excellence (CoE) and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence (NBCD) School.
Chatrapati Shivaji’s first Naval victory commemorated in Basrur today
Incidentally, coastal town of Basrur in Karnataka is observing 355th anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj’s first victory at sea today. Shivaji was one of the first Indian kings to realise the importance of naval power. His victory at Basrur liberated the region from the Portuguese.
The account of Shivaji’s naval vistory at Basrur and the details of the exhilarating battle can be read here – https://www.organiser.org/wp-content/uploads/Encyc/2020/2/12/Basrur-in-Karnataka-to-observe-anniversary-of-Shivaji-Maharaj-first-victory-at-sea-tomorrow.html
