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Landmark in the history of defence forces: Antony

— Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

NEW FRONTIERS: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at Ezhimala on Thursday to inaugurate the Indian Naval Academy.

EZHIMALA (Kannur dist.): The India Naval Academy (Navac) developed here as a prestigious defence establishment was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a grand inaugural ceremony here on Thursday.

Navac, termed as the ‘Cradle for Leadership’ in the Indian Navy, was inaugurated by Dr. Singh at the function held on the sprawling academy campus spread over 2,452 acres. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan; Defence Minister A.K. Antony; Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed; Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta; Chief of the Southern Naval Command Vice-Admiral S.K. Damle; Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy; Minister for Health P.K. Sreemathy; and Kasaragod MP P. Karunakaran; were present at the function.

The Prime Minister also unveiled the inauguration plaque and released the special first-day cover at the function. In his inaugural speech, Dr. Singh said the country could not be satisfied with anything less than this world-class academy.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Antony said the establishment of Navac here was a landmark in the history of the country and of the defence forces. The Defence Minister said Navac was billed as an important Naval Academy in the world. The establishment of Navac and the development of the proposed Kannur airport would give a developmental facelift to Kannur and Kasaragod districts, he said. At a time when the Indian Navy was on the trajectory of modernisation, the academy would strengthen its increased role in protecting India which had emerged as a great power to face any challenge. He said the Navy would have new well-equipped warships and submarines.

Mr. Antony also said that the presence of the Navy in this region would also ensure its greater assistance for rescue operations at sea during the monsoon season. Kerala had been Navy’s closely associated State over the past 50 years, he said adding that the relationship would be strengthened with the opening of Navac. The Chief Minister said the Union government’s decision to set up Navac here had been received by the people with enthusiasm. Observing that the people in the country were living in a period when threat from terrorists and pirates was serious, Mr. Achuthanandan commended the Navy for its works to combat the threat. Navac for training Naval personnel had greater significance in the backdrop of the increased threat of terrorist attacks, he said adding that the State government had spent Rs. 50 crore for developing infrastructure for the academy.

Admiral Mehta said themaritime environment of the State provided an ideal setting for the academy.

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