6 September 2021 has been a red letter day for Indian Navy’s Aviation as it received the President’s Colours at Goa. It is an outcome of precisely seven decades of service to the nation as it was way back in 1951 that aviation was introduced into the Indian Navy. One can definitely not forget the important role that was played by the Indian Naval Ship Vikrant in guarding the Indian coastline during the 1971 operations of which the countrywide celebrations are on, on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee.
The President’s Colours or Standard or Guidon is one of the greatest honours bestowed upon any unit in recognition of its exceptional service to the nation, both during war and peace. Although several units of the Indian Army, as well as the Indian Air Force have been the recipients of such an honour, the first-ever organisation to receive the President’s colours was the Indian Navy on 27 May 1951.
The Hon’ble President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the President’s Colour to the Indian Naval Aviation at INS Hansa, Goa. As per the Armed Forces tradition, the occasion was marked by a ceremonial parade where a Guard of Honour was presented to the President. It was an occasion of double celebration as on 5 September, INS Hansa completed 80 years of its establishment.
An art work of Veteran Captain (Indian Navy) A. Chatterjee was the icing on the cake as it included images of all types of aircrafts that have flown under the flag of the Indian Navy. His work is a shining example of the dedication of the men of the Armed Forces and the nostalgia that they continue to hold well beyond the years of their active service.
The Naval Aviation added another feather to its cap when Sub Lieutenant Shivangi became the first-ever woman to earn her Flying Wings.
The infancy of Naval Aviation in India started with the introduction of the Sealand aircraft in January 1951 and the commissioning of the INS Garuda at Kochi, four months later. Today, India’s Naval Aviation has nine Air Stations and three. Naval Air Enclaves to protect the complete Indian coastline with more than 250 fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft to thwart any enemy intrusion.
The Naval Aviation has also played creditable roles during times of disaster relief, not only in India but even in friendly countries, thereby, demonstrating its multi faceted brilliance. It then leaves no doubt that the presentation of the President’s Standards is well deserved while we can feel confident that our coastlines are safe with the Naval Aviation guarding those frontiers.
Credit : Gp Capt Achchyut Kumar (The Teenager Today)
Picture Credit : Google
