INS Agrani, the Indian Navy’s training institute in Coimbatore, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The birthday bash concluded with a rousing performance by the Indian Naval Symphonic band that came here from the Southern Naval Command, in Kochi. What made it extra special was that this was the first time that the Naval Band performed at a Mall in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Commodore Manohar Nambiar, the Commanding Officer of INS Agrani, said they chose a public space for the performance so that they could reach out to the public and show them a glimpse of the Indian Navy. And, what an introduction it was, as the saxophones, recorders, guitars, trumpets and drums took the visitors to Brookefields that evening by surprise.
They watched and heard as the sailors in their sparkling white uniforms belted out one popular melody after another. There was music of Beethoven and Mozart, Abba and Queen, Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman. And some inspirational martial music. The Sanskrit word Agrani means ‘Leader’. Since 1965, when INS Agrani was commissioned, thousands of sailors have passed through its portals and learnt about leadership, courage and man management.
These lessons have held them in good stead in their long, lonely tenures at sea as they keep vigil and defend our coastline.
As the sailors played their final piece, the stirring Saare Jahan Se Achcha, many eyes misted over. It was a fitting end to the concert.
