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Building bridges on shifting sands
The much-awaited International Fleet Review will be kick-started on Thursday with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu paying homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial. Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Commanding Officers of visiting foreign naval ships will also lay wreaths at the War Memorial as a mark of respect to fallen hero
CM to pay homage to martyrs, open maritime expo
Visakhapatnam: The much-awaited International Fleet Review will be kick-started on Thursday with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu paying homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial. Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief and Commanding Officers of visiting foreign naval ships will also lay wreaths at the War Memorial as a mark of respect to fallen heroes.
The mega event, which will witness participation from nearly 50 countries, is only the second time since 2001 that such an event has been organized in India. More significantly, it is the first international fleet review on India’s Eastern seaboard, a theater of growing interest for New Delhi.
The War Memorial, built jointly by the Indian Navy and the Andhra Pradesh government is a befitting homage to mark the devotion to duty and sacrifice of the Indian service personnel which led to the ultimate Victory at Sea. This awe-inspiring memorial, along with its beautiful gardens and war relics is drawing huge crowds and is a reminder to the public of the heroic efforts and the sacrifice of the men.
The structure was inaugurated on December 10, 1996 and has since then established itself as landmark in this port city and is thronged by both local people and visitors. The Chief Minister will also inaugurate the Maritime Exhibition (MAREX), on the theme – “Innovation, Youth and Indigenisation” at AU Engineering College grounds.
The official theme of the IFR, “United through Oceans,” is also the driving inspiration for the event. By bringing a large number of warships together, the Indian Navy hopes to draw on the cooperative instinct of participants, urging them to join hands in combating common security and humanitarian threats at sea. In highlighting the utility of multilateral collaboration and interoperability, the event’s organizers hope to foster greater regional solidarity, comradeship and goodwill.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Vice Admiral Satish Soni said the command is fully prepared to conduct the four-day event with participation of foreign and Indian ships and foreign chief of the naval staffs from various countries. He said 70 to 75 helicopters of various types, including hawk jet fighters, will exhibit their talent and demonstrate in the Bay of Bengal.
Supreme Commander of the armed forces, President Pranab Mukherjee will embark on Presidential yacht, INS Sumitra after inspecting the guard of honour which will be presented by 150 naval personnel on IFR on February 6.
The IFR, however, isn’t just planned as a congregation of armed warships and aircraft. Organizers have designed the event as a multi-dimensional experience – a display of camaraderie and converging interests in a complex maritime environment. Besides the naval ships review by President Pranab Mukherjee, a nautical exhibition, a city parade, a maritime conference, an operational demonstration, and a book release function celebrating the maritime heritage of India are also planned.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parikar, Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimham, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Cabinet ministers, state Cabinet ministers and Chief Ministers of more than 10 states, all Chiefs of Armed Forces, Chief of Naval Staffs, retired Chief of Staffs and a host of delegates across the country will also take part in the fleet review.
Soni said the VIPs would review the fleet of participating Indian and foreign ships which will be anchored in six columns and the naval personnel standing on anchored ships on both the sides of Sumitra would salute the President in the traditional manner.
Various Indian Industries and organisations have set up 74 stalls showcasing the self-reliance of Indian Navy. A thematic sound and light show depicting the role of Indian Navy both in war and peace time will be an attractive feature in the exhibition. IFR Village co-located with the Maritime Exhibition consisting of 100 craft stalls with a variety of art works including live stalls showcasing craftsmanship will remain open to public till February 10. The village will showcase the rich cultural heritage of India with its diverse traditions and cultures leaving a lasting impression on the visiting navies.
