India joined a select group of nations capable of designing and building indigenous aircraft-carrier as Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated to the nation Vikrant, a giant aircraft carrier having a length of 262 metre and a height of 59 metre.
The indigenous aircraft carrier was designed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and was built at Cochin Shipyard Ltd, a public sector company, at a cost of `20,000 crore.
The simple but elegant function was attended by Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for shipping Sarbanand Sonowal, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, besides the top commanders of the Indian Navy, including Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar.
The Prime Minister also unveiled the new flag of the Indian Navy that features the insignia of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha ruler who pioneered the setting up of the sub-continent’s first navy.
“We are witnessing a new sunrise in Kerala and Vikrant is an unparallel elixir formed out of hard work, intelligence, responsibility, commitment, and energy,” said the Prime Minister while dedicating the aircraft-carrier to the nation.
The Prime Minister said the success of Vikrant substantiates India’s efforts to indigenise the defence forces. “This is the success of Aatma Nirbharatha. The induction of Vikrant into service would benefit not only India but even our neighbouring countries because the Indian Ocean has emerged as the major maritime root for these countries,” said the Prime Minister.
The ship’s keel was laid in February 2009 and it took CSL 13 years to complete the works.
While unveiling the new Indian Navy flag with the inscription Shamno Varunah (May Lord Varuna be auspicious), the Prime Minister said, “I dedicate the flag to Chattrapathi Shivaji Maharaj, who was the pioneer in setting up a Navy to protect the country from enemies. Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of India’s naval warfare and even the British who came to India were afraid and apprehensive of our prowess in naval warfare.”
He said with the phasing out of the old flag, India has got rid of the last vestiges of slavery and colonialism.
The Prime Minister’s 28-minute speech was full of praise for the resilience of Indians who fought the corona pandemic and made self-reliant India a reality despite all odds.
Modi pointed out that the opening of the defence forces for women was a revolutionary change. “We will have women soldiers and officers working in all branches of Army, Navy and Air Force. Recently our women sailors undertook a journey around the globe establishing their presence and power. We will soon see more and more daughters of the nation undertaking such adventurous missions,” he said.
Paying glowing tributes to the men and women who took part in the conceiving, designing, executing and production of Vikrant, the Prime Minister said it was yet another sign that the country was ready to take up any challenges.
“We have an aircraft carrier that runs on power which can light up 5,000 households, a flight deck that is as big as two football stadiums and boasts of cable which could connect Kochi with Kashi,” said the Prime Minister.
“Vikrant is Vishaal, Viraat, Vihangam, Vishisht and Visesh. This is the outcome of Parisram, Pratibha, Prabhav and Pratibadhatha. This has made Vikrant an Atulya Amrit,” said Modi.