Puri: President Droupadi Murmu graced the Navy Day event as chief guest on the Blue Sea beach in Odisha’s Puri on Wednesday. President Droupadi Murmu also recalled the valour of navy personnel who laid down their lives during the 1971 Ind0-Pakistan war.
Addressing the event, President Murmu said, “Today on December 4, we celebrate our glorious victory in the 1971 war and commemorate the selfless service and supreme sacrifice made by navy personnel in defence of motherland. I would also highlight the sacrifice of captain Mahindra Nath Mulla, a brave naval officer who demonstrated exceptional valour during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.”
President eulogises role of Mahendra Nath Mulla
As the commanding officer ‘of INS Khukri’, Mulla played key role in several operations and eventually laid down his life.
“Recently, I had the opportunity to pay homage to him in my visit to Diu. India is grateful to you and every Indian salutes you for serving the nation. As your supreme commander, I am proud of each one of you for our professionalism, passion and patriotism which was on display here moments ago. I must compliment you for well-coordinated and operational demonstration that has given a glimpse to our fellow citizens of how our navy operates at sea,” the President said during the address.
The President said she consider herself fortunate to have interacted with the Navy personnel closely over the last two years on Navu Day occasions in the last two years.
‘Felt reassured about the security of our seas’
“I have felt reassured about the security of our seas. India’s geography has endured us with all elements necessary to be a great maritime nation. A long coastline, island territories and developed maritime infrastructure. India’s maritime activities along the coast across the oceans for more than 5,000 ago. We are among the finest in the oceanic transport. Our ship building prowess and our ability to harness the monsoon wind pattern and our urge to dominate the seaborne trade. With a glorious maritime heritage and a future to look forward to, India has always been a strong maritime nation and our fortunes, glory and identities defined by the seas,” Murmu added.
President Murmu said India is among the finest nations in the oceanic transport.
