The Queen's baton arrived here on Friday amid cultural extravaganza and a grand welcome by the Western Naval Command at INS Viraat.
As 1,400 Naval sailors and 400 Navy Children School students welcomed the baton by waving the national flag, a cultural troupe of students performed ‘lezhim,' a traditional Maharashtrian synchronised dance form.
The baton was first taken to the submarine, INS Sindhuvijay, and then to INS Viraat where it was handed over to Vice-Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Region.
“We are proud to get this unique opportunity. The Queen's baton carries forward a five-decade-old tradition and symbolises the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth countries,” Vice-Admiral Bhasin said.
The students who performed ‘lezhim' were beaming with enthusiasm and happiness. “We feel like our dream has come true. This is a big opportunity for us,” said Rama Salve, 17, a student of R.K.D. Ed. College, Bhandup.
After the baton reached the flight deck of INS Viraat, children of the Sea Cadet Corps demonstrated communication using flags even as the Navy band played music.
“There is an air of enthusiasm among the navy personnel. As we are also celebrating the 275th anniversary of the Naval dockyard, the entire vicinity is wearing a festive look,” Captain M. Nambiar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Defence, said.
The baton, carrying the Queen's message on an 18-carat gold leaf, was then handed over by Vice-Admiral Bhasin to Shaurya Chakra Award winner Commander Dilip Dhonde, the first Indian to circumnavigate the world solo. Near the Gateway, the baton was welcomed by two Chetak helicopters which showered petals and two jet cannons which formed an arch, as the baton cruised forward to the Gateway.
