Malvan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced that the Navy will name its ranks in line with Indian traditions and said the country is moving forward leaving behind the mentality of slavery. He expressed his government’s commitment to increasing the number of women in the armed forces and appreciated the appointment of a woman officer to command a naval ship for the first time.
Paying tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for his foresight and war strategy, PM Modi said that the 17th century Maratha rulers knew the importance of naval power. The Prime Minister was addressing the Navy Day program organized at Malvan in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, about 500 km from Mumbai.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister, while extending greetings on Navy Day, said the commitment of naval personnel in safeguarding India’s seas is a testament to their unwavering dedication to duty and love for the nation.
PM Modi said at the event organized in Malvan against the backdrop of the iconic Sindhudurg Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century, ‘We are emphasizing on increasing the number of women in the armed forces, which reflects India’s rich maritime history.’
PM Modi praised the Navy after the announcement that a woman officer will command a naval ship for some time. He said that the names of ranks in the Indian Navy will be changed according to Indian culture. Modi also announced that the epaulettes worn by naval officers will bear the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who is credited with building the country’s first modern navy. Modi recalled the unveiling of the naval flag last year.
