Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations Ship visit and Community Outreach Programme at Vizhinjam

As part of celebrations to commemorate 75th anniversary of India's Independence Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, INS Kalpeni from SNC visited port of Vizhinjam on 25 September 2021. A team of officers and sailors from NOIC (Kerala) also visited the port for a Community Outreach Programme. The visit by the Indian Navy ship and the naval team of officers and sailors marks the beginning of a series of such visits planned in Kerala during the coming year as part of the Navy's initiative to promote awareness and instil a sense of pride amongst the local populace. Towards the celebrations, a team led by an officer and sailors from the NOIC (Kerala) also visited the port to interact with the local fishing community. The outreach programme aimed to bring awareness amongst the coastal populace regarding India's freedom struggle and the various facets of coastal security that included likely threats from the sea. The fishermen were also briefed regarding their role as 'the eyes and ears' of security agencies as part of the Coastal Security construct. The interaction also conveyed key aspects of safety precautions to be taken at sea and SAR Organisation. The concerns of the fishermen were answered by the team and the overall interaction was fruitful. The overwhelming participation by the fishermen and the local populace during the interaction was indicative of the enthusiasm and involvement amongst the coastal populace. The interaction was received well by the audience and the efforts put in by the Indian Navy to improve the relations with the coastal populace and fishermen folk was appreciated by all stakeholders. The event was attended by members of the Coastal Police, Fisheries and the Kadalora Samiti.