Navy Day in India is celebrated on 9 December every year to recognize the achievements and role of the Indian Navy to the country. 4 December was chosen as on that day in 1971, during Operation Trident
During the celebration of navy week various events take place such as an open sea swimming competition, ships are open for visitors and school children, performances by the Naval Symphonic Orchestra take place, an Indian Navy Inter School Quiz Competition, as well as an air display for school children and the beating retreat and tattoo ceremonies, happen.
The Indian Navy is led by the President of India as Commander-in-Chief. The Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bhonsle of the 17th century is considered as “Father of the Indian Navy”.
The Indian Navy has an important role in securing the marine borders of the country as well as enhancing the international relations of India through seaport visits, joint exercises, humanitarian calamity relief and so on. The modern Indian Navy has as undergone speedy renovation in order to improve its position in the Indian Ocean region. The strength of the Indian Navy includes over 67,000 personnel and about 150 ships and submarines.
Navy Day in India originally coincided with the Royal Navy’s Trafalgar Day. In 1944, the Royal Indian Navy celebrated Navy Day in October, the month of its commissioning in 1944. In 1945, after World War 2, Navy Day was celebrated on 1 December. On the night of 30 November 1945, on the eve of the Navy Day celebrations, Indian ratings painted the slogans such as Inqualab Zindabad. But the old traditions of the British Navy gave way to new reasons to celebrate the day.
Navy Day in India is now celebrated to commemorate Operation Trident, which was the attack on the Karachi harbour during the Indo-Pakistan war (on 4 December 1971) by the Indian Naval Missile boats as well into reverence all the martyrs of that war. During the attack, Indian sailors communicated in Russian to avoid detection. No Indian sailors were killed in the attack.
Themes
It is celebrated using a particular theme (like “Safe Seas and Secure Coasts for a strong Nation”) of the year:
- The theme of 2019 is “Indian Navy – Silent, Strong and Swift”.
- The theme of 2018 was “Indian Navy, Mission-deployed and Combat-ready”.
- The theme of 2015 was “Indian Navy – Ensuring Secure Seas for a Resurgent Nation.”
- The theme of 2014 was “Indian Navy – Ensuring Secure Seas for a Resurgent Nation.”
- The theme of 2012 was “Indian Navy – Maritime Power for National Prosperity”.
- The theme of 2008 was “Reaching Out to Maritime Neighbours”.