Srinagar, 02-Sep; 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. The Prime Minister exclaimed that Vikrant is huge, massive and vast. It is distinguished, it is also special. Vikrant is not just a warship. This is a testament to the hard work, talent, influence and commitment of India in the 21st century. If the goals are distant, the journeys are long, the ocean and the challenges are endless – then India’s answer is Vikrant. The incomparable Amrit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is Vikrant. Vikrant is a unique reflection of India becoming self-reliant. Modi acknowledged and praised the contribution of the Navy, engineers of Cochin Shipyard, scientists and especially the workers who worked on the project. He also noted the happy and auspicious occasion of Onam that is adding even more happiness to the occasion. 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. 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. 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. The Prime Minister remarked that when Vikrant descends to protect our maritime zone, many women soldiers of the Navy will also be stationed there. The restrictions that were there are now being removed. Just as there are no boundaries for the capable waves, there will be no boundaries or restrictions for the daughters of India. Modi said, drop by drop water becomes like a vast ocean. He also mentioned the salute by the indigenous canon on this Independence Day. Similarly, if every citizen of India starts living the Mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’, then it will not take long for the country to become self-reliant. 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
