Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissioned the first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant today. During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage.
Speaking on this occasion, the Prime Minister said that every Indian is witnessing the sunrise of a new future. This event is held on the INS Vikrant is a tribute to the rising spirits of India on the world horizon. He said, we are seeing a manifestation of the dream of the freedom fighters where they envisioned a capable and strong India.
Speaking on this occasion, the Prime Minister said that Chhatrapati Veer Shivaji Maharaj built such a navy on the strength of this sea power, which kept the enemies on their toes. When the British came to India, they used to be intimidated by the power of Indian ships and traded through them. So they decided to break the back of India’s maritime power. History is witness to how strict restrictions were imposed on Indian ships and merchants by enacting a law in the British Parliament at that time. Mr Modi said, the Indian Navy has got a new flag from today. Till now, the identity of slavery remained on the flag of Indian Navy. But from today onwards, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the new Navy flag will fly in the sea and in the sky.
Explaining the massive proportions of the Carrier, the Prime Minister said, it is like a floating city. It produces electricity that is sufficient to power 5,000 households and the wiring used will reach Kashi from Kochi, he said. He said that INS Vikrant is a living embodiment of the Spirit of the Panch Prans that he proclaimed from the ramparts of Red Fort.
Governor Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Sarbananda Sonowal, V. Muraleedharan, Ajay Bhat, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Naval Staff R. Hari Kumar were among those present on the occasion.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today said that the new Naval Ensign presented by Prime Minister to the Indian Navy and indigenously manufactured INS Vikrant is an historic and golden moment.
In a press statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office, Mr. Shinde said that the commissioning of INS Vikrant is a tribute to the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also congratulated the Indian Navy on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said, this is an important step for strong and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
