Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday here flagged-in, in New Delhi, a first-of-its-kind Open Water Swimming Expedition to the 21 Islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago named after the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had named 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman and Nicobar after the PVC awardees on January 23, 2023 on Parakram Diwas commemorating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the renaming, the Tri-service Andaman and Nicobar Command launched ‘Expedition Param Vir’, wherein a team of personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard undertook swimming to all the 21 islands as a tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the 21 gallantry awardees and unfurled the National Flag at each island.

The 11-member expedition team was led by the acclaimed open water swimmer and Tenzing Norway National Adventure Awardee Wing Commander Paramvir Singh.

In his address, the defence minister commended the courage and ability of the team, which successfully completed the expedition by overcoming numerous challenges at sea, and brought the stories of valour and sacrifice of the Param Virs to the people.

He stated that the expedition was in line with the government’s efforts towards ensuring that the gallant deeds of our soldiers, who sacrificed themselves in the service of the nation, are known to the people, especially the youth, and that these bravehearts become their heroes. He expressed hope that the Armed Forces personnel will continue to bring glory to the nation and be a source of inspiration for the youth.

During the event, the Expedition Flag was handed over to the defence minister by the team. The flag was witness to the entire expedition, its challenges, camaraderie and finally the successful completion. It represents the cause and stirs emotions of patriotism and pride.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan and other senior officials were present during the flag-in ceremony.