Media Release

Mumbai, May 2: The sea formed the perfect backdrop for the men in sparkling white uniform on the occasion of the annual Naval Investiture Ceremony held at the Naval Air Station, INS Shikra at Colaba here on Friday April 30. 

The Indian Navy paid homage to the awardees of the President’s Gallantry awards at a glittering ceremonial parade. 

The chief of the naval staff, admiral Nirmal Verma, took the salute and conferred the awards to the recipients on behalf of the president, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces.

The CNS was received by vice-admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Western Naval Command, and inspected an impressive 50-man ceremonial guard of honour. He thereafter reviewed the parade, comprising personnel of Indian Navy as also those drawn from the defence security corps.

The awardees of the Nao Sena medal for acts of gallantry included four marine commandos - lieutenant commander Rohit Mishra, lieutenant Vikas Dahiya, petty officer Yaimachoul Singh and leading seaman Vishwanath V Bhat for anti-terrorist flushing out operation in Taj on 26/11, lieutenant Vikas Dahiya and leading Seaman Jaidev for their exceptional act of gallantry in counter insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley.

 The courage and fortitude of lieutenant GB Yaduvashi and petty officer Sajjan Singh (clearance diver first class) while engaged for Anti Piracy Operations in Gulf of Aden were also afforded public recognition.

The warships INS Ranvir and Beas and the submarine INS Sindhughosh were awarded Unit Citations for their outstanding operational performance.

The families of the award winners, flag officers, commanding officers of ships and submarines, and a large number of defence-civilian personnel attended the ceremony.