Proud Kazhaks at the Indian Navy's Golden Jubilee Celebrations of its Submarines arm

Proud Kazhak Submariners and other operatives in the Indian Navy were in proud attendance as President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday, 8 December 2017, awarded Presidential Colours to the submarine arm of the Indian Navy that is celebrating its golden jubilee.

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{ L to R : Jaya Gopal M E 1712/1987, Roy Francis 1875/1988, P Ashokan 962/1980, Vinod CP 1809/ 1988, Lijo Stephen Chacko 2045/1990 }

The event, held at the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) here, was attended by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Flag Office Commanding-in-Chief of ENC Vice-Admiral Karambir Singh and other senior officers of the force.

The President of India awards the ‘President’s Colour’ to the submarine arm on Friday, 8 December 2017 at the Naval base in Visakhapatnam.

Of the three armed forces, Indian Navy was the first to be presented with this honour, in May 1951 by Dr Rajendra Prasad. On the occasion, the submarine arm would be presented with a special flag, which was paraded on important occasions. The award of President’s Colour is one of the greatest honours in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to the nation.

The President receiving the salute as a 150-men Guard marches past

The president, who was on his maiden visit to a naval formation, was given a 21-gun salute upon his arrival at the ENC headquarters for the ceremony.

Starting its journey on December 8, 1967 with INS Kalvari (S-23), the submarine arm of the Indian Navy has evolved into a formidable force over the last 50 years.

Our first submarine was named Kalvari (Foxtrot class) which was decommissioned long ago. According to the tradition of the Indian Navy, old ships/submarines are reborn: so the latest submarine (Scorpene class) is also Kalvari.

Kazhaks get together for another Selfie ! ( Pic courtesy : Roy Francis )

The Presidential Colours award to the Submarine arm in the Golden Jubilee year would undoubtedly be cherished by all those who have adorned the Dolphin on the chest. And we can’t be prouder of our own Kazhaks !