DEFENCE MINISTER INAUGURATES CHOLA BUILDING OF NAVAL WAR COLLEGE
Panaji: March 5, 2024
Defence Minister Shri. Rajnath Singh adding another feather of pride in the crown of Indian Navy today inaugurated new building named `Chola` for Naval War College, at INS Mandovi, Verem.
Chief Minister Dr.Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Tourism Shri. Shripad Naik, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R. Hari Kumar and Flag Officers Commanding in Chief, Western & Southern Naval Commands, Chief Secretary, Shri. Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS and others were present on the occasion.
Defence Minister Shri. Singh said that new building of Naval War College which is named after ancient maritime empire Chola Dynasty depicts Indian Navy`s aspirations and Indian legacy of Maritime excellence. New Naval War College will boost Indian Navy towards achieving new goals in naval security.
He said that, Indian Navy has achieved remarkable success in establishing new infrastructure, equipment and warfare infrastructure thereby strengthening its naval power. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Indian Navy has re-imagined and strengthened India’s role in Indian Ocean Region; it has emerged as first responders & preferred security partner. Earlier, focus was given on strengthening land borders, but maritime threats were not given as much importance. In view of the increased movement of our adversaries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) & the commercial importance of the region, it became necessary to re-assess our threat perception and accordingly re-balance our military resources & strategic attention. Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, we not only re-imagined India’s role in the IOR, but also strengthened it, he added.
On the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated two major piers in under Sea Bird project at Naval Base, Karwar. The Aircraft Carrier Pier is capable of simultaneous berthing of two Aircraft Carriers and one Landing Ship Tank (Large).
The Auxiliary vessel Pier would host Fast Attack Craft, Interceptor Craft and Auxiliary Craft. The piers would also provide various shore-based services, such as power, potable water, chilled water for air conditioning and other domestic services to the ships.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar in his keynote address spoke on evolving security challenges, particularly in the maritime domain. He highlighted the crucial role of higher military education in countering these challenges. He expressed confidence that the new training facility at NWC will serve as an icon of the country’s resurgence as a maritime power by serving as a Gurukul for learning and sharing maritime perspectives, not only for the officers of Indian forces but also for maritime neighbours.
Postal Stamp was released on the occasion at the hands of Defence Minister.
DIP/NB/AXP/SF/2024/ 2436