Address by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu on the Occasion of Operational Demonstration by Indian Navy and Virtual Inauguration/foundation Stone Laying of Various Projects of Ministries of Defence, Road Transport and Highways and Tribal

First of all I congratulate you all on this Navy Day. Today I am pleased to attend the Navy Day Celebrations in Visakhapatnam, the Jewel of the East Coast. Visakhapatnam has a rich history, and being the headquarters of Eastern Naval Command, and an industrial and port city, it has emerged as an important hub paving way for India’s secure future.

We celebrate this day to commemorate the Indian Navy’s valiant actions in the 1971 War, contributing to India’s historic victory. It is a day to remember and honour our martyrs who etched a permanent place for themselves in history and continue to inspire every generation. Today we acknowledge the vision, foresight, and efforts of our naval veterans. This day also reminds us to rededicate ourselves to taking India forward, transiting through Amrit Kaal, towards a great future.

In many ways, this future is inextricably linked to the oceans, just as our past was strongly influenced by these waters. We are an inherently maritime Nation - with the sea on three sides and high mountains on the fourth. It is but natural that the oceans will play a vital role in India’s growth and prosperity. Indian Navy has a huge responsibility of ensuring an umbrella of security for India’s national maritime interests.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Indian Navy remains firm in its perseverance, resolute in commitment, futuristic in capability development, and outcome-oriented in action. It is also evident from the theme of this Navy Day - ‘Combat ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future proof force’. Indian Navy is driven by Atma-nirbharta, has a sustained reach and presence across the oceans and is propelled by innovation.

As your Supreme Commander, I am confident that the Indian Navy will continue to grow from strength to strength – aligned with the vision of a new and developed India. The gallant men and women of the Indian Navy are serving a greater cause with utmost dedication, and I am extremely proud of each one of you.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Today I am happy to inaugurate and lay foundation stone of various projects of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. National Open Air Range established by Defence Electronics and Research Laboratory in Kurnool district is a state-of-the-art facility. I am happy to learn that this facility will serve the purpose of India’s defence preparedness and will be an asset to the nation. I congratulate Shri Rajnath Singh ji for his able leadership and guidance to DRDO for setting up this facility.

The road transport projects will help in easing traffic congestion, improving road safety and reducing travel time thereby facilitating faster and smooth movement of goods and people in the state. I congratulate Shri Nitin Gadkari ji and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for inauguration of Rayacholly to Angalu section of NH-340, 4-lane ROB of NH-205 and 6 lane grade separated structures in Kurnool. I am happy to lay the foundation stone and convey my best wishes for the project of widening of road from Mudigubba to Puttaparthi on NH-342.

Eklavya Model residential schools are playing major role in providing quality education to tribal youth. I am sure that 4 schools inaugurated today at Buttayagudem in West Godavari, at Chinturu and Rajavomangi in East Godavari, and at Gumma Lakshmipuram in Vizianagaram will go a long way in educating our tribal children and will help in their all round development through academics and extracurricular activities. I congratulate Shri Arjun Munda ji and Ministry of Tribal Affairs for this initiative. We must ensure that every child in India gets education no matter where or in what condition he/she resides. Education has to be accessible to each and everyone.

I am certain that these projects will contribute immensely towards India’s holistic and inclusive development. We have to bridge the gaps so that all Indians can march forward with pride and step into the New and developed India.

I again convey my greetings and best wishes to you all and your families on this Navy Day. May the Indian Navy continue to remain victorious in its service to India and her people!

Thank you! 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!