SANGITA SHARMA

As India stands on the threshold of becoming one of the most developed economies of the world, great opportunities lie ahead for its people. Today the youth has so much to look forward to in terms of career opportunities that it is truly exciting. Youngsters too have dreams and are enthusiastic to pursue great careers and make a mark for themselves.
“Dreams are not what we see in the sleep, it is the thing which does not let you sleep”
…. APJ Abdul Kalam

In this context I wish to apprise the young people for a career in the Indian Navy, having its unique ethos and work culture. The Indian Navy is the repository of a rich historical legacy and magnificent achievements. When India became independent in 1947, the Royal Indian Navy was renamed as Indian Navy. Thereafter the Navy has chartered its course carving out a distinct identity of its own.
The Indian Navy secures and protects the nation’s maritime interests. It acts as a deterrent to any threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation, both in war and in peace. Over the years it has been responsible for enhancing international relations and conducting humanitarian missions. It helps to assert India’s maritime interests to further its political, economical and security objectives and create stability in India’s maritime zone. Also, the Navy provides maritime assistance to India’s neighbours during disasters as well as in political instability.
To the credit of the Indian Navy, lie its engagements in sea battles and to name a few are Goa’s liberation from the Portuguese in 1961, Indo-Pak war of 1965 and Bangladesh liberation war of 1971. It has maintained peace in the Indian Ocean by being a deterrent force to the political turmoil in Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives. During the Kargil war in 1998, the Eastern and Western fleets were deployed to safeguard India’s interests in the Arabian Sea, the Naval aircrafts flew maritime reconnaissance sorties and the elite Marine Commandoes (MARCO) fought alongside the Indian Army soldiers in the Himalayas.
Being the 5th largest Navy in the world, the motto of the Indian Navy is, “Sham No Varunah” (Sanskrit), which means, “May the Lord of water be auspicious unto us”.
The Navy is truly multidimensional. It not only guards our shores but also our skies. The fleets with the aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, landing crafts, mine countermeasure vessels, submarines, patrol vessels and other supporting ancillary crafts are responsible for guarding our shores. The Naval Air Arm with its fighters jets, anti-submarine helicopters, ‘Long Range Maritime Patrol’ (LRMP) aircraft; in anti-submarine and anti-ship role and the ‘Remotely Piloted Vehicles’ (RPA’s), guard our skies. The Marine Commandoes (MARCO’s) are a force to reckon with. The aircraft aerobatic teams add charm to the Naval aviation. The might of the Indian Navy lies in its ships, submarines, aircraft, weapon systems, ‘Electronic Warfare’ (EW) and Systems Management, Information Technology Cell and the Indian Defence Satellites.
The Indian Navy asserts itself in the international forums by conducting joint exercises with the Navies of other nations. These exercises not only help in evolving maritime combat tactics but also indicate to the world the solidarity in friendship amongst nations. This provides a great thrust to enable ant-piracy measures for safe conduct of international marine traffic of merchantmen. The Navy also conducts expeditions and explorations in some of the world’s most hostile terrain. It has conducted circumnavigations and expeditions to Mt Everest, Arctic and the Antarctic and all of these have been an absolute success.
As India surges ahead today, so does the Indian Navy. In order to make the Indian Navy amongst the most mighty and powerful Navies of the world, expansion and modernisation plans are underway. Approximately 150 ships, 500 aircrafts and helicopters are to be acquired. Construction of new naval bases amongst which Karwar being one of the biggest base, are also underway. India very proudly is also constructing its own aircraft carriers. The real strength of the Navy lies not only in its fighting machines but more so in the men who operate them and personnel who work tirelessly 24×7 to maintain these systems.
Once inducted into the Navy, it is like being a part of a large family. The Navy offers its personnel an exhilarating and a satisfying career based on dignity, honour and core human values. Immense opportunities are available to all rising within the rank structure cadre. While in service the Naval personnel can expect a decent salary, maintain a good standard of living and also pursue ones interest in sports, adventure and other related activities. Facilities like medical care, accommodation, access to schools, hospitals, recreational clubs, movie halls, canteens etc are not only restricted to Naval personnel but also to their family members and dependents, including aged parents.
The naval welfare activities are a galore. From having Play Schools, Navy Children Schools (NCS) and welfare Centres, initiatives are made to provide good education and expose family members to various aspects of life and living. The Navy’s welfare wing; Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA) helps the community in many ways including care for the specially abled children. It also addresses and finds solutions for health and education issues. The NWWA creates facilities for women to learn art and culture take care of widows and the elderly. In order to encourage the innate talents of the wives, NWWA enables them to pursue their interests in the field of tailoring, teaching, homemade edible products etc and create forums where they can display their talents. For the artistically inclined, participation in theatrical and musical performances is also encouraged. The Navy has some fine artists, photographers and writers. The Naval band performs every year at the ‘Republic Day’ celebrations and often bags the trophy for the best performance.