Having circumvented the globe not once but twice, Indian Navy's globe-trotting sailing vessel INSV Mhadei was a star participant in the International Fleet Review (IFR) held in the Port City, Visakhapatnam. And this time round, the ship sails with an all-women crew led by Commander Dilip Donde. Compare this to the two Fast Interceptor Craft – Tango 307 and Tango 311 that are powered by indigenous bio-diesel developed by the Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research. Or the six-decade old grand ship from the Russian Federation Navy, the Epron, a diving support vessel; or the youngest ship that was recently commissioned, hardly a month ago, the INS Kadmatt, an anti submarine warfare stealth corvette. Ranging from the youngest to the oldest, form the unique to the interesting, the IFR had a remarkable mix of naval craft from all over the world.
The azure waters of the Bay of Bengal have come alive with the grand ensemble of ships from all across the world. Added to that there is the overhead roar of Advanced Jet Trainers (HAWK AJT) piercing their way through the clear blue skies, or the throbbing of the choppers as they cut through… the city has undergone a transformation in the last one week as the Navy has literally taken over.
The President conducted the fleet review aboard INS Sumitra, the Presidential yacht. Six rows of warships of the Indian Navy and the navies of other countries participated in the review, with the sailors saluting the President. Along with the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R.K Dhowan, were on board INS Sumitra to witness the event.
Along with the fleet review, there was an impressive flypast, a parade of sails with yachts, sailing vessel INS Mhadei with all women crew, marine commandos (MARCOS), the special force of Indian Navy, mobile columns of ships and submarine, 'green force' the fast interceptor crafts run on solar power, along with several other attractions. All in all, the IFR saw the participation of 90 ships, including 24 warships and over 70 aircraft. In addition, ships of the Indian Coast Guard and mercantile marine also participated. And that is not all; the city will also witness an Operational Demonstration and the International City Parade of marching contingents, dances, floats, pyrotechnics culminating with a light and sound show at RK Beach.
This event has showcased Vizag like never before. Advertisements in the media, clips in theatres and previews have generated a lot of interest nation-wide. Since February 3, the IFR village has already started drawing hundreds of public even before its official inauguration on the evening of February 4 by the chief minister of AP N Chandrababu Naidu. The IFR Village has been set up in collaboration with the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India and is adjacent to the maritime exhibition. The village has 102 stalls, food stalls and a cultural show.
With the intention of making the Fleet Review accessible to all, television channels have been giving live telecasts of the entire range of events. Furthermore, all the cinema halls in the port city and in the GVMC limits including Tagarpuvalasa will be relaying the live telecast of the International Fleet Review on Sunday evening from 4.30 Pm to 7.30Pm, entry is said to be free. All the visitors need to carry along is an aadhar card as identity proof. While the Navy headquarters in Vizag has always been advantageous to the city, this grand affair has thrust this once obscure city into the international spotlight. The tourist attractions like the greenery of Araku, the Buddhist sites, the Borra caves, Kursura submarine museum, Visakha Museum, Kailasagiri and beeches at Bhimli all got a great deal of attention with so many delegates descending on the city. The city malls too have seen a lot of additional footfalls with visitors trying to imbibe a bit of the local ambience. A big boost just as the city kicks off on the road to becoming a Smart City!
Uma Chodavarapu
