MEMORIES_OF_IFR
International Fleet Review which was
conducted in February 2016 was a very good opportunity for the citizens of
Visakhapatnam to experience a live telecast of the performance which was
performed by the Indian Navy in front of the delegates from 50 countries. Basically,
International Fleet Review can be defined as “the ceremonial and the stately
inspection of naval warships by the President of India.” It was a proud feeling for every Vizagite to
have such a beautiful experience which every person from both Visakhapatnam and
outside would cherish for a lifetime.
The International Fleet Review commenced
on 4th February, 2016 and lasted till 8th February 2016.
This four day event witnessed many occasions which were a moment of pride and
honour for every citizen of India. The main objective of this ceremony was to
enhance mutual trust and confidence with neighbouring navies by inviting their
warships to participate in the event- “UNITED THROUGH OCEANS.”
The event was inaugurated on 4th February
with laying of the wreath at the Victory at Sea Memorial by Chief Minister of Andhra
Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu and paying homage to the martyrs of the 1971
Indo-Pakistan war. This was followed by the inauguration of Maritime Exhibition
and IFR Village which was based on the theme of “Make in India” and aimed at
showcasing innovation potential of the youth
of the country. 5th February
marked the opening ceremony at INS Satavahana Stadium where Brand Ambassadors
of Indian Navy Mr Akshay Kumar and Ms Kangana Ranaut joined the gathering.
The main part of the fleet review was
conducted on 6th February in the morning hours by the “Supreme
Commander of the Indian Armed Forces”, the Honourable President of India Shri
Pranab Mukherjee. He reviewed the International fleet, a combination of Indian
warships and the ships from navies across the world. Warships like INS Viraat,
INS Vikramaditya, INS Samudrika, etc took part in this fleet and escalated the
pride, respect and reputation of the country in front of various countries. The
next day, i.e, 7th February, witnessed the city parade with more
than 50 countries participating on RK beach and the salute was taken by the
Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. The participants who marched were
the contingents of Indian Navy, Army, Air Force, State Police, NCC and troops
of other countries like China, UK, USA etc.
As I reside opposite to Ramakrishna
beach, I witnessed the complete show which was presented by the Indian Navy.
There were a host of attractions like rocket launching, gun firing, tanks, explosions
in the sea, magnificent fireworks by the warships, etc. A crowd of more than 2.5 lakhs as estimated
by the Mee-Seva Authorities watched the ceremony on the beach. Complete decorum was maintained on the beach
inspite of the huge crowd. The foreign delegates who visited the event were one
of the points of attraction. I took a few selfies with soldiers from USA. Indeed this will be one memorable event for
every Vizagite !
-Ms. Simran Soni, BBM II year
