New Delhi: President Ramnath Kovind today awarded the prestigious President’s Colour to the Indian Naval Aviation, for their exceptional service to the Nation over the last seven decades, at INS Hansa in Goa.
Speaking on the occasion, the President recalled the glorious contribution of INS Vikrant with its integral aircraft, which played a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.
“Naval aircraft have also been at the forefront of numerous peacetime as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, providing relief not only to our countrymen but also to friendly foreign nations,” he added.
He further lauded the indigenisation efforts of the Indian Navy in keeping with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision of the Government.
He also made a mention of the significant progress made in aviation technology, facilitation of state-of-the-art indigenous weapons, sensors and data suites for Naval aircraft.
Congratulating the officers and sailors on the momentous occasion, the President said, “Naval Aviation has come of age with the perseverance of the National Leadership. He also congratulated all veterans and serving Naval Aviators, for their selfless service to the Nation.”
To mark the momentous occasion, a ceremonial parade with a 150-men Guard of Honour was presented to the President.
PS Sreedharan Pillai, the Governor of Goa; Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa; Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Tourism, Ports Shipping and Waterways; Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command and Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, Flag Officer Naval Aviation along with other civil and military dignitaries attended the ceremony.
The President’s Colour is bestowed on a military unit, in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the Nation, both in peace and in war.
