Indian Navy draws inspiration from Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by concluding Motorbike Rally and Trekking Expedition

Indian Navy draws inspiration from Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by concluding Motorbike Rally and Trekking Expedition

Flagging in of the motorcycles by Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command

To commemorate the ''Never say Die' spirit of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and INS Vikrant, Western Naval Command undertook a challenging and adventurous Motorbike Rally cum Trekking expedition visiting 23 forts of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from 23 March to 25 April 2016. The expedition commenced from Mumbai and passed through Shivneri and Raigad districts. The enthusiastic team of 15 personnel, lead by Lieutenant SS Kadam, from the Indian Navy were flagged in today at about 03:30 PM by Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The team covered approximately 2600 Km on motorcycles and trekked about 350 km to reach these 23 strategic forts.

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, addressing the gathering

Speaking on the occasion Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba said that today we look back on Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and admire his boldness and vision. He exhorted all men of Western Naval Command to live up to the expectations of Shivaji Maharaj, by incorporating speed and boldness in their operations and by having firm commitment in discharging their duties and responsibilities to the country.

The Flag In Ceremony was focused around life, history and warfare of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with an exhibition of weapons used during his reign, skit covering his life, display of martial arts and display of traditional music and dance. These displays help imbibe the rich martial traditions and heritage of the country and propagate them among the Naval community.

During the expedition, the team has paid its tributes to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, at Shivneri and Raigad. His qualities such as valour, strength, courage, speed, surprise etc. continue to be essential prerequisites of modern day warfare and serve as the guiding principles for the Indian Armed Forces. He was a visionary who revived the Naval Fleet and commenced its operations providing protection to the kingdom. No doubt that they are closely related to the legendary and Invincible Aircraft carrier INS Vikrant of the Indian Navy. INS Vikrant served the Indian Navy and the nation for glorious 36 years. She proved her metel in Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. The soul of a ship never dies; like the Ex INS Vikrant which was the first aircraft carrier of the country, the first indigenous build aircraft carrier has been christened as Vikrant so she may carry the spirit forward.

The naval team reached out to school children by conducting various motivational lectures, showcasing various videos on Indian Navy and inspired the next generation to sign up for an adventurous and challenging life at sea. They also spread the word of Go Green, Save Water and Harmony through the route traveled.