Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the induction of INS Mahe into the Indian Navy reflects the force’s rapid progress towards self-reliance. Speaking during the 128th episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he described the development as a matter of national pride.
INS Mahe, inducted last week in Mumbai, has an indigenous design. PM Modi noted that its name has historical significance linked to Mahe in Puducherry and that many people from Kerala and Tamil Nadu observed that the ship’s crest resembles the traditional Urumi sword used in Kalaripayattu. He said Navy Day, to be marked on December 4, offers an opportunity to honour the courage of naval personnel.
PM Modi also encouraged citizens to explore museums and sites related to India’s naval history. He mentioned the INS Khukri Memorial and Museum in Diu, the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa, the Indian Naval Maritime Museum at INS Dronacharya in Kochi, the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum in Port Blair, the Warship Museum in Karwar, and various naval museums in Visakhapatnam.