ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRI RAM NATH KOVIND ON THE OCCASION OF PRESENTATION OF COLOUR TO INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY
Ezhimala : 20.11.2019
1. It is my privilege to be here today to award the Colour to the Indian Naval Academy. I would like to congratulate all Midshipmen and cadets on parade for smart drill and precise movements. The energetic and invigorating parade this morning speaks volumes of the high standards of training imparted at the Indian Naval Academy. As I have witnessed the infrastructure in the Academy, the excellent facilities provided and the quality training regime followed, I am convinced that the Navy has correctly invested in developing its future leaders who are also the future of our nation.
2. The President’s Colour is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed upon a military unit, in recognition of the exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in peace and war. The Academy commenced the officers’ training at the Naval Base, Kochi in 1969. Since then, it has witnessed a transition from Kochi to the Academy at INS Mandovi in Goa, and now in Ezhimala. Today it stands tall as arguably the largest naval academy in Asia. On this occasion of the award of the President’s Colour and on completion of 50 years of the Naval Academy, I congratulate everyone present here and their predecessors, for their hard work and dedication that has seen realisation of such a proud day.
3. India is a maritime nation, with a long coastline. We have several islands on either coast, acting as our national outposts, and of utmost strategic value. A significant proportion of our trade and energy needs are met through the medium of the oceans. Safety of the seas and maritime commons, therefore, remains a critical requirement to ensure the economic and infrastructure development on land, as also to ensure well-being of its people.
4. The Indian Navy is the country’s prime instrument to ensure maritime security. You will be pleased to know that our Navy is inducting a large number of highly capable and state-of-the-art assets and equipment. We live in a digital age and the battles of tomorrow will also be fought in the domain of information and technology. You, as technical graduates, would be expected to stay ahead of the technology curve to be better prepared to respond when required. I, therefore, urge you to fully utilise your training here at the Academy, to be better leaders in the complex and uncertain world of tomorrow.
5. I have been told that you have excelled in various facets of training, be it sports, equestrian, sailing as well as soft skills. It indeed augurs well for the Navy that the Academy is producing such proficient scholar warriors, who not only undergo a demanding B. Tech. course, but also excel in other sporting and extra-curricular activities. I must also take this opportunity to compliment the Commandant, all instructors and officers involved in training for producing such multi-faceted officers. I am sure that you will never let your country down.
6. The fine parade this morning resonates well with the high reputation that the Academy has earned for itself in a relatively short span of time. The only way ahead from here is to strive for excellence in every field and take the INA to even greater heights.
7. Today, the country faces a number of security challenges, both in the conventional and asymmetric domains. The country looks upon you to deliver, each and every time, whether it is a full-fledged conflict, natural calamity, law and order challenge or a diplomatic mission. The President’s Colour should serve as the motivating symbol to inspire and mould a generation of officers that will pass out from this world-class institution. As leaders of tomorrow’s Indian Navy, the leadership skills that you learn here will empower you with the unique privilege to lead men and women into harm’s way, as and when called for. You are elite, not because you are different from the rest, but because you serve higher ideals. I would like you to remember the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour and Courage, which form the fundamental values expected of all naval personnel.
8. I am confident that all of you will keep the flag of the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard and the nation always soaring high. I wish the Indian Naval Academy the very best for its future endeavours.