Model warships impress crowds

ALLAHABAD: Navy Day was celebrated in the city on Sunday with a series of functions organised by the Naval NCC cadets of Allahabad University and 1 UP Naval Unit. On this occasion, Subhash Crossing in Civil Lines was illuminated with lamps followed by a colourful display of fireworks.
Commander Pradeep Mishra of 1 UP Naval Unit said that the day is celebrated on board warships and naval bases, but Allahabad is the only NCC group in the country which follows the same tradition on land.On this occasion, a grand ceremony was organised under the supervision of Colonel N B Thapa, Group Commander, NCC Group headquarters, Allahabad.
An exhibition of ship models was also organised to portray different aspects of naval life in order to motivate the youth to join the Armed Forces. Various models of warships, along with the models of nuclear submarines, INS Arihant and missile ‘Brahmos’ were on display. A 10-feet long model of INS Virat, the only aircraft carrier of Indian Navy, was the centre of attraction among visitors.
Lt Commander, P K Ghosh of Naval Wing, NCC Allahabad University, said that it was urgently needed to inculcate a sense of patriotism among masses and nothing can better serve the purpose than the examples of supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. Perhaps, the new generation is unaware of the fact that in order to snatch the greatest victory of Indian Navy, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, hailing from Allahabad, gave the supreme sacrifice for the country in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. When the enemy submarine torpedoed the Warship INS, Khukri, Capt Mulla helped in the safe exit of as many personnel as possible and despite having all the opportunities to save his own life, he decided to go down with his ship and presented an example of supreme sacrifice. This glorious day of Indian Navy has been dedicated to the people for the last seven years, Ghosh said.
The ceremony was inaugurated by Brigadier P R Murali, Brigade Commander of 4 Artillery brigade, while vice-chancellor, Allahabad University, Prof A K Singh was the chief guest.
Chief commissioner, Income Tax, G N Pandey and president, high court bar association (HCBA) Umesh Narayan Sharma were also present to attend the celebrations.