The morning showers failed to dampen the spirit of Navy officials who gathered at the huge aircraft hangar of naval air station Garuda for the Naval Investiture Ceremony (NIC) on Thursday.
After inspecting an impressive ceremonial guard, Navy Chief Admiral Robin Dhowan gave away three Nao Sena Medals (NM) for gallantry; eight NMs for devotion to duty; and sixteen Vishisht Seva Medals (VSM) for distinguished service besides citations to naval units that performed well last year.
Lieutenant Commander Shailesh Tyagi, a marine commando, was awarded NM for gallantry for displaying exemplary courage in a joint operation against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) at freezing temperatures in a Kashmir village. Though injured in militant fire, Lt Cdr Tyagi led from the front and ensured the safety of his injured team members. A hardcore militant was eliminated in the operation.
Commander K.M. Arun Kumar received NM for gallantry for rescuing 22 crew members of cargo ship m.v. Asian Express, which was sinking and adrift in extremely adverse sea and weather conditions. Commanding Coast Guard Ship Varuna, Cdr Arun Kumar demonstrated exceptional courage and professional acumen in approaching the drifting and sinking vessel braving heavy rain, swell and strong winds to carry out the rescue operation.
Leading Seaman Krishna Kumar was also awarded NM for gallantry for risking his life to save the wounded, unconscious pilot of a Chetak helicopter that crashed into the sea at Vizag. Mr. Kumar ignored his own injuries to raise the distress alarm. His physical and mental toughness was tested beyond limits in the accident. Commodores Harendra Singh Chopra and Bharat Bhusan Nagpal; Captains Mahadevu Goverdhan Raju, Amit Gurbuxani and Captain (TS) G. Rambabu; Surgeon Captains Promad Kumar Mishra and Surgeon Commander Gaurav Vohra; and Master Chief Petty Officer Mohammad Mastan Vali received NM for devotion to duty.
