Independence Day Celebrations at Naval Base, Kochi

Independence Day Celebrations at Naval Base, Kochi

The Southern Naval Command (SNC) marked the 73rd anniversary of the Nation’s independence through a slew of activities at Kochi. The foremost amongst these was wreath laying at the SNC War Memorial by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Southern Naval Command who paid floral tributes in honour of those who had laid down their lives while defending the nation.

In a departure from normal ceremonies due to the COVID pandemic, there was no formal parade on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day. Instead, personnel of SNC, led by the C-in-C, cleaned their living and working areas through a ‘Community Shramdaan’ for removal of all plastic and other non-biodegradable waste and also to disinfect surfaces that are touched often in common areas. Clearing of drains for flood control and coastal clean-up drives in adjoining water front were also carried out by the navy personnel and families while maintaining COVID protocols.

Besides these, all naval ships in Kochi were ceremonially ‘dressed overall’ traditionally with multi coloured signal flags and ‘pennants’ to mark the occasion. A customary 21 Gun Salute also given by INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery establishment to celebrate the occasion. The celebrations of the schools in the base were also limited to flag hoisting by the heads of the School without any gatherings in keeping with COVID 19 protocols.