Hey guys ! Today my article is mostly about my recent visit to the INS Mysore & INS Tarkash and also about the Indian Navy. I am writing this article late because I did not find time as we were having exams and then long Eid Holidays !

Do you know that how did the word 'navigate' origin? It came from the Sanskrit word "Navgath". This shows the influence of India in the field of "Navigation". Our country 's navy motto is quite interesting "Sham No Varunah" literally means "May The Lord of the Ocean be auspicious unto us". Our country celebrates navy day on December 4 after the huge success of "Operation Trident" in 1971.

I am sure you already have lot of knowledge about the two Indian naval ships which came to Kuwait for friendly and goodwill visit, between 10-13 September, 2013, courtesy my young IIK Reporter friends. What I have learnt from my visit is that Indian navy not only has to secure the nation's maritime borders but also uses its navy to enhance its international relations through joint exercises, port visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief. In recent years, the Indian Navy has undergone rapid modernisation to replace its ageing equipment currently in service. This is often seen as a part of "India's drive" to develop blue-water capabilities and enhance its position in the Indian Ocean. Did you know that the 17th century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosale is considered as the 'Father Of The Indian Navy'! As of 2013, the Indian Navy has a strength of more than 58,000 personnel and a large operational fleet (about 179) consisting of - an aircraft carrier, an amphibious transport dock, eight guided missile destroyers, 15 frigates, one nuclear attack submarine, 13 conventional submarines, 24 corvettes, 30 patrol vessels, 7 mine countermeasure vessels and various auxiliary ships which is enough for guarding our country maritime borders. The importance of Naval security is relevant since India holds a strategic location on the Indian Ocean. During our visit to the ships, I have learnt about the uses of each item on board. What I learnt that INS Mysore consists of not only officers but also ship engineers and aircraft engineers as there are two helicopters on board. During the British Raj in India, the navy was modernised by the British and was known as the "Royal Indian Navy". The Royal Indian Navy has participated in World War II. After the Independence, India Navy has participated in the annexation of Goa in 1961 from Portuguese control. It also plays a key role to protect the borders of other maritime coast in the Indian Ocean. It also played a crucial role in capturing the Somali Pirates along with other countries. According to our guide, all leading navies including the Indian navy has protected other vessels for passing through the coast of Somalia. INS Mysore played a crucial role for this. But during the recent years our has stopped sending to other coasts for cost saving and also for the protection of the Indian Coast. There are two types of fleet " The Western Fleet" and " The Eastern Fleet". Our country's has ranked in "Top 10" along with other powerful navies in the world. It has been a great achievement for India after its Independence. I am sure this is a proud moment for all the Indians. The next ship we went to was the INS Tarkash. The ship was modern and had consisted mostly Indo- Russian design. It has the Bhramos missile. As the name suggests "Bhra" from river Bhramaputra and "Mos" from Moscow. Our group including the teachers had asked several questions to the officers. I have noticed that the each officer's rank could be distinguished based on their shoulder strips on their shirts. I have also discovered a bit of their lives. I have found a very interesting fact that during the free-time, the officers in the ship play X box or PS3 and they also have updated knowledge about the new games releasing. During our visit we have treated with biscuits, sandwiches etc. . We have been announced that the INS Vikramaditya will be handed over to the Indian navy on 15 November, 2013. Our country is a developing country and has made a significant progress in the field of navy since Independence. The Indian Navy also conducted an International fleet review named "Bridges of Friendship" in February 2001 in Mumbai. Many ships of friendly Navies from all around the world were participated, including two from the US Navy. I hope by this time, you have a lot of information on Indian Navy.

So let's say bye for now...but do browse the following interesting information -

INS Mysore (D 60)

The Delhi class destroyers are classified as guided-missile destroyers. The Delhi class vessels are the largest warships to be fully designed and built in India, although they will soon be superseded by the Kolkata class destroyers and the Vikrant class aircraft carrier. These ships have been built at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.

INS Tarkash (F-50)

The Talwar class of frigates of Indian Navy have been built in Russia under an Indo-Russian joint production. The Talwar class guided missile frigates are modified Krivak III class frigates from Russia. The Talwar Class has a displacement of 4,000 tons and speed of 30 knots and is capable of accomplishing a wide variety of naval missions, primarily, finding and eliminating enemy submarines and large surface ships. Due to the use of stealth technologies and a special hull design, the resulting frigate features reduced radar cross section (RCS) as well as electromagnetic, acoustic and infrared signatures.

About the Crests

INS Mysore (D 60)

Depiction :

A mythological double-headed Eagle , called Genda-Bherunda, a figure commonly drawn on the ancient carvings of Southern India .

Drawn From

The State Coat of Arms of the erstwhile State of Mysore. It has been taken from the 'Raittiriya Upanishad', one of the sacred scriptures of Hinduism.

Means

Enormous strength. 'Always Fearless'

INS Tarkash (F-50)

Depiction :

An armed hand appearing from under the sea with the sky blue background and the sea waves below

Means

"The armed lethality at sea"

My sincere thanks to our School FAIPS (DPS) and IIK for giving me such a marvellous and inspiring opportunity to visit these two Naval ships and we salute our vigilant Heroes who protect our country - Vanguard of Victory.

Jai Hind....

References: http://indiannavy.nic.in/ and Wikipedia.

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