Secunderabad (Telangana) [India], December 4 (ANI): As the nation is celebrating the Navy Day 2024, Commodore Sudheer Parakala (Retd) on Wednesday said that this day is celebrated to commemorate the spectacular success achieved by the Indian Navy during Operation Trident in 1971.
He added that the Indian Navy attained greta success in 1971 war by launching a huge missile strike on Karachi harbour which kept it burning for almost 1 week.
Commodore Sudheer Parakala (Retd) also laid a wreath at Veerula Sainik Smarak at Parade Ground, Secunderabad on the occasion of Navy Day 2024.
Describing about the operation, Commodore Parakala stated that although the Indian Navy attained success but unfortunately it lost its 18 officers and 176 men in INS Khukri when it was torpedoed by the Pakistani submarine. He admired the great sacrifice of Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, who was the commanding officer of INS Khukri at that time.
Speaking to ANI, he said, “…The Navy Day is celebrated on 4th December to commemorate the spectacular success we had in 1971 war by launching a huge missile strike on Karachi harbour which kept burning for almost 1 week. Every war, every victory demands its own sacrifices. Unfortunately, we lost 18 officers and 176 men in INS Khukri when it was torpedoed by the Pakistani submarine. Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, the great veteran and the commanding officer of INS Khukri at that time, went down with the ship as is the tradition that a Captain never abandons a ship when his men are trapped inside the ship or submarine. That is a supreme sacrifice which Captain Mulla has made in the line of duty and he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty.”
Stating his journey, Commodore Parakala said that he was posted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 1971 war, where the fleets of Indian Navy completely blockaded East Pakistan.
He said, “I was in the Nicobar Islands, we were given the duty of guarding, patrolling all the southern groups of Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 1971 war. We did not see much action because our fleet had completely blockaded East Pakistan and there was no escape…So, both in the west and east, the Navy played its spectacular role and it’s a proud moment for all Men in White to commemorate that success during the 1971 war…”
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on the occasion of Indian Navy Day and saluted the valiant personnel of the Indian Navy for their unmatched courage and dedication.
“On Navy Day, we salute the valiant personnel of the Indian Navy who protect our seas with unmatched courage and dedication. Their commitment ensures the safety, security and prosperity of our nation. We also take great pride in India’s rich maritime history,” PM Modi posted on X.
The Indian Navy celebrates December 4 as Navy Day every year to acknowledge the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievements in ‘Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. (ANI)
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