NC-I DEEPASHREE S TN19SWN928721 Jeppiaar SRR Engineering College 4[TN]NTU NCC MADRAS GROUP-B : A Glance at The Past

On the night of December 4 - 5, 1971, The planned to launch operation Trident, a devasting attack on naval headquarters of . The operation planned at night as Pakistan did not have aircraft that could carry out bombings at night. For us It was the first time that an anti-ship missile was used in the operation. The Indian Navy fleet entered in Pakistani waters through Gujarat's Okha Port, the fleet reached 70 miles south of Karachi at night and attacked PNS Muhafiz killing 33 Pakistani sailors, disintegrating the vessel before it could send a signal to the Pakistan Naval Headquarters (PNHQ) of Karachi and then missiles were fired to attack Pakistani vessel PNS Khaibar.It sunk killing 222 Pakistani sailors. The attack was successful as we sank a minesweeper, a and a cargo vessel carrying ammunition and ravaged Karachi harbour fuel fields. did not suffer any loss during the operation or report any casualty during the mission making Operation Trident one of the most successful operations conducted by the Indian Navy.

On December 5, the Indian Navy’s Western C-in-C, Vice SN Kohli received the code word “Angaar”, which meant Success in operation Trident The 1971 War ended on December 16, as India sealed its victory when the instrument of surrender was signed by Lt Gen A A K Niazi of Pakistan with Lt Gen J S Aurora watching, at Dhaka at 4.55 pm that day. That remains the abiding image of the 1971 War. To commemorate this great victory every year on December 4, all over nation we celebrate . Indian Navy Day is also celebrated each year to work towards securing marine borders and bolstering relationships with other countries through joint exercises, humanitarian missions and relief operations. The mission task group comprised three Vidyut-class missile boats — INS Nipat, INS Nirghat and INS Veer played an important role in the attack, two anti-submarine Arnala class – INS Kiltan and INS Katchall, and a fleet tanker – INS Poshak. The group was led by the Commanding Officer of the 25th Missile Boat Squadron, Commander Babru Bhan Yadav. After the success of the great victory Several Indian Navy personnel were honoured with gallantry award for the successful operation.

Each year, a different theme is proposed to celebrate Navy Day. The theme of Navy Day 2020 is "Indian Navy Combat Ready, Credible & Cohesive". The Navy plans to celebrate 2021 as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ as part of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the victory in the 1971 War.

The Indian Navy is a well-balanced three-dimensional force, capable of operating above, on and under the surface of the oceans and safeguard our national interests. The and Commander-in-Chief. Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosle, Maratha emperor of the 17th century is considered as 'Father of the Indian Navy'. And the interesting fact is that the Indian Navy has approximately 67,000 employees in around 295 naval arsenals. It is considered the most powerful force in South Asia. The role of the Indian Navy is to secure the marine edges of the country and update the worldwide relations of India through seaport visits, joint exercises, etc. Its objective is also to improve the circumstance in the Indian Ocean Zone.

During Navy week and the days prior to that, various events take place such as an open sea swimming competition, ships are open for visitors and school children, there is a veteran sailors lunch, performances by the Naval Symphonic Orchestra take place, an Indian Navy Inter School Quiz Competition happens, a Navy Half Marathon, as well as an air display for school children and the beating retreat and tattoo ceremonies, happen. The Navy also organises a Beating Retreat ceremony at Gateway of India in Mumbai on the eve of the Navy Day. The Indian Naval Band performs across places between Gateway of India and Radio Club in Mumbai. The Indian Navy warships and aircraft are open to visitors. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said that "A smooth sea never made a skilful sailor." Alike a smooth life with no problems will make a person weak. So, let us drive in and tear the waves of obstacle that’s leads to success. Jai Hind!