Kochi. Eleven officers and sailors and two establishments of the Indian Navy were on September 25 presented gallantry distinguished service awards and citations by Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command (SNC) at the Naval Investiture Ceremony (NIC) conducted at the naval base here.
Vice Admiral AK Chawla inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Naval Investiture Ceremony at Kochi on September 25.
Ten medals, which included four Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to duty) and four Vishisht Seva Medals (long meritorious service) were awarded. One “Jeevan Raksha Padak” medal (for acts of courage and self-sacrifice) as well as two Unit Citations for 2020-21 for delivering exceptional performance over the past one year were also announced.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Chawla said that the occasion is of special significance, as it a formal acknowledgement by the Indian Navy of the conspicuous acts of gallantry and devotion to duty of fellow shipmates.
He congratulated all the awardees and highlighted the fact that the men and women of the navy have stood out with their selfless acts at all times just as the Indian Navy has stood for the good in the Indian Ocean region. He gave the example of the recent diving assistance rendered by INS Nireekshak to the Mauritius government and said it was along the lines of the Prime Minister’s vison of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
A 50-man Guard of Honour was presented during the Investiture ceremony. The Guard of Honour was inspected by Vice Admiral Chawla prior to reviewing the parade, comprising of four platoons of naval personnel drawn from various ships and establishments of the Southern Naval Command. The parade was commanded by Commander Abhishek Tomar.
The ceremony was witnessed by senior dignitaries of the Indian Navy. The investiture is normally conducted centrally for the Indian Navy. However, in view of the prevailing health scenario, it is being conducted locally in each Command for their respective personnel. All social distancing norms were followed during the ceremonial parade.
The details of awardees are as follows:
- Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry): Commander Shailendra Singh, Commander Vikrant Singh, Lieutenant Commander Ravindra Singh Chaudhary and Sushil Kumar, Leading Seaman.
- Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty): Commodore MP Anil Kumar, Commodore Gurcharan Singh.
- Vishisht Seva Medal: Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, Commodore Ajith V Kumar, Commodore R Ramakrishnan Ayyar, Captain K Nirmal Raghu.
- Jeevan Raksha Padak: Mukesh Kumar, Chief Petty Officer.
Unit Citations: Ashore unit – INS Chilka (Establishment), Afloat unit – INS Sujata (Ship).
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