ENC Chief Highlights Viksit Bharat Vision at I-Day Parade

VISAKHAPATNAM: Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice-Admiral Sanjay Bhalla underscored the nation’s resolute journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and highlighted the pivotal contributions of the Indian Navy and the Eastern Naval Command in realising the vision.

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Vice-Admiral Sanjay Bhalla reviewed the ceremonial parade at Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Admiral commended the Command’s sustained operational tempo and high state of combat readiness in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. He also highlighted strengthened coastal security measures, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, and the Command’s ongoing efforts to enhance India’s maritime capabilities.

Vice-Admiral Bhalla praised the personnel for their smart turnout, precise drill and exemplary professionalism, and called upon them to remain ever-ready, resolute and unwavering in their commitment to the service of the nation.

Earlier in the day, the Eastern Naval Command conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the ‘Victory at Sea’ War Memorial at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam, paying homage to the brave heroes of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Vice-Admiral K. Srinivas, DGNP (VZG), Eastern Naval Command, laid a floral wreath, joined by Commodore H.S. Kelkar, COMCOS(E). A ceremonial 50-member guard was paraded, followed by a two-minute silence in remembrance of the courage, valour and selfless sacrifice of the sailors who fought in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

The ENC band once again enthralled the city with a spectacular musical evening at the iconic Kursura Submarine Museum. The performance featured rousing martial music, soulful patriotic melodies, Bollywood favourites and vibrant popular tunes against the backdrop of the submarine museum.