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Revisiting Minicoy lighthouse

John L. Paul

RELIVING MEMORIES: Naval veterans who had participated in the `taking over' of the Minicoy lighthouse interact with naval officers on board INS Tir at the Naval Base in Kochi on Friday. — Photo: Vipinchandran

KOCHI. Eight Naval officers who participated in the `takeover' of the Minicoy lighthouse in April 1956 set sail for the island from Kochi on Friday evening on board INS Tir and INS Krishna to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the event.

The first-generation INS Tir was the ship that was sent to take over the lighthouse from the administrative control of the British. The 49-metre lighthouse was built in 1885 on the Lakshadweep group of islands. The area is located near one of the busiest sea-lanes.

The eight officers relived memories of how they lowered the Union Jack and unfurled the Indian Tri-colour there on April 2, 1956. Addressing mediapersons here on Friday, Rear Admiral (retd.) P.P. Sivamani, who took part in the operation even before he was in his twenties, said it was an important day in the annals of Indian Navy.

"We belonged to the eighth course that passed out from the National Defence Academy. Then, it was just another exciting day in life. Ours was a routine, peaceful operation. It was only later that we realised the importance of the whole event. Despite the onset of advanced navigational aids, lighthouses continue to play an important role in directing ships," he said.

Commodore M.S. Pavithran, Naval Officer-in-Charge (Kerala and Lakshadweep), said the decision to take over the lighthouse was taken owing to delay on the part of British authorities. "Now, an average of 100 ships pass by the structure each day."

"As lighthouses do not distinguish between friend and foe, there was an instance of a Pakistani submarine being aided by the lighthouse to surface nearby, in the 1971 war," said Rear Admiral (retd.) Sivamani.

Navy's new role

Captain R.A. Jaswal, Commanding Officer of the second-generation INS Tir, said the Navy's role in protecting our national interests has become paramount with the passage of time. "Even a small country like Singapore has been adding submarines and ships to its fleet."

Commodore (retd.) J.P. Carnerio said they had a "dashing commander" in Commander K.M. Nanavati. "We were lily-white midshipmen in the age of 18 to 20 when the lighthouse was taken over," recalled Commander (retd) H.K. Nag. "Today's INS Tir is an air-conditioned vessel with a vast deck, unlike the vessel which we used," said Commander (retd.) L.K. Mathur. The average age group of all the officers is now 70-plus.

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