Indian Navy inducts stitched ship INSV Kaundinya

Karwar: In a landmark moment for India's cultural and maritime resurgence, minister of culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inducted INSV Kaundinya—a meticulously constructed stitched-plank sailing vessel—into the Indian Navy on Wednesday.Singh said he has instructed the state tourism department to give proposal for the development of tourism in Karwar. Regarding the CRZ rules he said that development and preservation of the nature should go together. "Development should be carried out without disturbing the nature." INSV Kaundinya was inspired by a 5th-century Ajanta Cave painting. This unique vessel blends ancient seafaring tradition with modern scientific validation. The ship is named after the legendary Indian mariner and monk Kaundinya, who sailed across Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, symbolising India's ancient traditions of oceanic exchange, historic prowess in seafaring, and navigation. Conceptualised by Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the economic advisory council to the Prime Minister, the project was executed through a tripartite collaboration between the ministry of culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, Goa.Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan and Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, flag officer Karnataka naval area, along with other dignitaries were present.