Commemoration of Operation Trident: Power of Poseidon as Indian Navy

Commemoration of Operation Trident: Power of Poseidon as Indian Navy

Navy day is a close reminder of the Indian Navy where we give the wings and reality to the words "शं नो वरुणः" which means 'May the Lord of Water be auspicious unto us.' In 1971 on December 4, the Indian Navy decided to blow the naval base of Karachi. It is the financial capital of Pakistan.

In 1965, the Indian Navy was asked to be in a defensive posture for a strategic reason. This leads to an attack on the pilgrimage of the Dwarka on the Gujarat Coast. Where Pakistan has managed to infiltrate with a light cruiser and six destroyers within the range of the town and shelled it. There was no military base and They managed to evade the detection leading to the discomfort of the Indian Navy.

When Admiral SM ‘Charles’ Nanda assumed his position as naval chief in 1970. He has decided to raise the Service’s profile with an aggressive foray. He was a meticulous planner and do things out of the box. He had men who were of the highest caliber and would prove their metal in the upcoming war.

It was decided that the navy would use recently acquired Soviet Osa/ Vidyut class missile boats. It was based on the doctrine of mobility over armor protection and firepower. The use of proper guided missile and countermeasure technologies. Warships could maneuver their enemies and conceal themselves while using powerful weapons.

There were new tactics were used to fulfill the goal of Operation trident by the Nanda and his boys to carry out the powerful striking ability to launch the attack. Each boat carried four SS-N-2 (P-15) Styx missiles with a range of 80 km guided by radar.

The group that will attack Karachi was formed which consist of the three Vidyut-class missile boats: 

1. INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer, Where Commander Babru Bhan Yadav embarked on INS Nipat was the commanding officer of the 25th Missile Boat Squadron (now known as the Killers).

1. two Petya/Arnala-class anti-submarine corvettes: INS Kiltan and INS Katchall- Where Commander KP Gopal Rao the CO of INS Kilatn commanded the task force.

1.  fleet tanker, INS Poshak.

Petyas was to provide command, control, and communications. They will deliver warning signs if they encounter any aircraft of the enemy. Also, in an emergency, they can be used for refueling and a hand in towing a boat.

On December 4, Showdown began with the INS Nirghat which was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Inderjot Sharma. Around 10:45 PM (PKT), They moved forward to the northwest to fire its first Styx missile at PNS Khaiber. There was an explosion in the boiler room but the warship was sailing fine. Upon seeing this Sharma order to fire a second missile which hit the second boiler room of the PNS Khaiber. Due to this Khaiber drowned and Pakistan naval force was encountered with the loss of 222 sailors. INS Nirghat was the first warship to draw the first blood from the Pakistan Forces. It became the starting point of the cuts that Pakistan will have in their wounds.

 

The second wound was incurred by the INS Nipat commanded by Lieutenant Commander BN Kavina. It attacked the targets in the northwest area around 11 pm (PKT). The first target that was destroyed by the INS Nipat was Merchant Vessel Venus Challenger. It was carrying ammunition for the Pakistan Army and Air Force from Saigon. The loss of its cargo played a major role in Pakistan’s acceptance of the ceasefire on 17th December 1971. The second target that become the fodder of the INS Nipat was the C-class destroyer, PNS Shah Jahan. It was badly damaged leading to its eventual scrapping.

The third Loss was incurred was on the attack on PNS Muhafiz, an Adjutant-class minesweeper now loomed over INS Veer. INS Veer's radar was commanded by Lieutenant Commander OP Mehta. At 11:20 pm (PKT) fired Styx missile striking it on left just behind the bridge. 33 sailors were lost as PNS Muhafiz sank in no time. It didn't have time to send the distress signal. 

INS Nipat went toward Karachi and fired two missiles. It destroyed Kemari oil which leads to the loss of oil reserves. It became the major factor behind the inability of Pakistan to carry out the war. Indian Air Force also helped in this by striking the oil tanks on the same day.

After the successful attack on the Karachi Naval base and destroying the oil reserves. They send the success code "Angaar" to Vice Admiral SN Kohli, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command in Bombay.

Before Pakistan retaliate through the air, the Indian Navy had moved their missile boats to safe havens.

Seal battle off Karachi was the most successful operation of naval history. Operation Trident Indian side didn't incur any losses. To celebrate the success of Operation Trident we celebrate Indian Navy Day on December 4. Boldness and innovation lead to victory which created another history. 

26/11 Braveheart: My Encounter with Terrorists that Night

 

26/11: A Forgotten Soldier

Written By: Marcos Parveen Kumar Teotia,

Shaurya Chakra, (Rtd.)

 

A Day Where it all Begins?

It was a privilege to read about the story of a soldier whose one line had been carved in my heart since 2008. This book is penned by the very soldier who had said those lines. He is awarded as Shaurya Chakra is now retired. How he overcomes his adversary after that attack. How he become the IRONMAN. A story of a soldier who had the zeal to overcome every obstacle that he came across.

Tale of a Forgotten Warrior

It’s a true story of a man who hails from Bhatona Village, Buland Shahar Distt. In Western Uttar Pradesh. He was inspired to serve in forces since his childhood as it is a custom to join forces or police in his town. His brother becomes his motivation to become a soldier despite being rejected due to his short height. He made his path and joined the navy to serve his nation.

He joined Indian Navy on 31 July 2002. Later, when he got aware of Marcos in the Navy. He got motivated in joining the team Marcos and completed his course in January 2006. After two years of being with Marcos, he faced his destiny where he changed his course of life as well.

On 26 November 2008, when Mumbai got under attack by terrorists who entered from the sea route. He and his team were the first ones to come to Taj Hotel for a rescue operation. Despite inadequate weapons, they went for operation and succeeded in saving the civilian.

He would have been dead due to the negligence of printing the wrong blood group but destiny had decided something else for him. He survived with his will, strength, and his attitude to fight the adversary. He had saved 150 lives including the life of the Managing Director of Taj Group.

He was awarded Shaurya Chakra for his bravery. It is said that everything comes with its price. The one who wants to be on the field was deemed unfit for it. But this doesn’t stop him from moving in his life and bringing laurel to our country again. There was a time when he was treated brutally by an organization to whom he had brought pride.

It arises the question, what you do to overcome it? When the doctor declared him unfit and told him to lose weight. He started his journey by becoming fit in the eyes of the same doctor. He got inspired and participated in the marathon.

He participated in the marathon organized at Leh and ran with a national flag which brought new opportunities to him. He later participated in the IRONMAN Triathlon. He participated in it, faced his struggle, and earned the title IRONMAN. He is a man who is the epitome of inspiration who has defied his medical condition and made impossible things possible.

What was added to your Vocabulary?

1.      Inundated- to give or send somebody so many things that he/she can not deal with them all.

2.     Secessionist- A person who favors formal withdrawal from membership of a federation or body especially or political state.

3.     Ensconced- establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe place.

4.     Staccato- short duration of the burst.

5.     Tinnitus- perception of noise.

6.     Goriest- full of violence and blood.

7.     Ostensibly- as appear or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so, apparently.

8.     Caliphate- the rule or reign of a caliph or chief Muslim ruler.

9.     Flummoxed- Bewildered or perplexed.

10.  Revelatory- Revealing something hitherto unknown.

What I liked and learned

I don’t know about his struggle which he had faced. This book has given a new dimension to the organization where it represents that no organization is perfect. You will find certain negative elements everywhere. But what I learn from his journey was their dedication he had, his courage, strength, strong will, and patience to bear the weight of struggle his life has given since the start.

He showed despite being having shortcoming if you have a will and dedication you could overcome any hurdle. His story had told the reality of the previous government and its negligence. How they have neglected their duty toward the people who serve us and our nation.

What made me curious or made me retrospect was the attitude of the doctor why did he say those lines despite knowing his condition. Whether he said it to motivate him or it was to make him feel low. I don’t know what is right or wrong. But I do know that if the doctor hadn’t pushed him. We wouldn’t have known his story. I would recommend this book to be read by everyone to get inspired and find the actual meaning of the lines-

“Yeh Mat Kaho Khuda Se Merin Mushkilein Badi Hai…...

Yeh Kaho Mushkilon Se Mera Khuda Bada Hai…...”

His lines are engraved in my heart-

“I will lead you to the safety. Just show me the way. Bullet will pass me first before it could reach you.”

India’s Most Fearless Series-2: Tales of our Heroes

 

India’s Most Fearless Series-2: It’s True, Heroes Walks Among Us

 by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh

 

This book is the second installment of Braveheart’s stories. I was elated to read about stories of the heroes who are as common as us but their work as different as fire and water. It’s their story who walks among us but have done extraordinary things in their life. This book starts with a detailed explanation of the Balakot airstrike in response to the Pulwama attack on 14 February 2019. It’s the book that will tell you the tales of the valor of our Braveheart’s in a very conceptualize manner.

Chapters that I will write about?

Every chapter of this book will have something to teach you about their experience, to stand tall in your adversaries and have the strength to tall in your decisions. I have selected five chapters from my side to know how they were so different from others and were extraordinary.

Chapter one is dedicated to Major Mohit Sharma, awarded as SM, Ashok Chakra Posthumously. His words “Killed, Maybe, but Never Caught” still runs in Para 1 as blood runs through in veins. He is fondly known as “Iftikhar Bhatt” by people who have followed defense and know him. His story was aptly portrayed in the book which gives a glimpse of his life outside his job as well. It’s the journey of a Braveheart whose journey came to an end at Haphruda forest. He was a good singer and a person who died while protecting his soldiers in operation and his last words were, “No terrorist should leave alive”. The last line of the chapter, “Mohit nhi sir, Iftikhar” seemed like he left us to be Iftikhar Bhatt forever.

“He avenged them, Didn’t He” these words are said by the wife of Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala who is awarded as Ashok Chakra Posthumously. He was so brave to face terrorists that he didn’t shy to take a bullet on the head. He didn’t stop for a cover fire from his buddy to tackle terrorists. Even he was shot in the head he hadn’t stopped firing he was like a possessed man who wanted to avenge his teammate Milind and Nilesh. His wife had anticipated how much he was eager to avenge their sacrifice that he didn’t care about his life.

Third Chapter, “Fire, When You See Their Faces” is dedicated to Lt. Navdeep Singh who sacrificed himself in an operation at Gurez. He is most probably the youngest officer to be awarded as Ashok Chakra Posthumously. He let terrorists come near to cordon them and not to let them escape. He had said to his team let them come near don’t shoot until you see their faces. He had already killed 3 terrorists before getting shot. He was so mindful to keep his team behind the boulder and he was leading without any boulder. His father when visited Gurez, he took soil of that land with him stating, “Mere bete ka khoon iss mitti par gira tha. Main ek mutthi uss mitti ki Gurez se laya. Uss mutthi bhar mitti ki koi keemat nahi. Voh mitti mere liye Waheguruji se kam nhi”. What strong beliefs and prideful feelings that a father could express after losing his son. No one could ever justify it and could explain it.

“Climb over me, Get to the Submarine!” such a strong and brave act of Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Mogal who was awarded as Shaurya Chakra Posthumously who didn’t hesitate to jump in the ocean to save his men. Once a Naval Officer told his wife that his uniform didn’t tell him to that. He should not have jumped into the water to save them. She politely replied to him, “It was either black or white for him.” It looks like Chetwode's motto is the inbuilt nature of all the soldiers.

Another chapter that tells me the story of humanity and the relation between “Awaam and Forces” is the story of Major Rishi Rajalekshmy awarded as Sena Medal for his bravery. It was rightly named this chapter “Half of my Face was in My Hands” as he had taken the blow of the IED to capture the terrorist and not let them escape. He helped people of Tral who he seldom met and saved their life. Even there was a case that people were stone pelting but seeing him there. Elders of the village stopped and stopped their children to do so because they knew he would help them. It was an overwhelming feeling to know such words from the teenage of Tral and fills me with happiness. It was a sheer win of our forces when a teenager has said, “Khan Sahaab ko Vaapas Bhejo Hum Unko Theekh Karenge.” This is the vision every army man dreams to achieve.

What was added in your vocabulary?

1.      Insurmountable- Too great to be overcome.

2.     Frothy- Foam.

3.     Tenor- A fairly high singing voice for a man.

4.     Furtively- Secretly.

5.     Trundled- To move or make something heavy, slowly and noisily.

6.     Corroborate- To support, idea etc. by providing new evidence.

7.     Fortification- A defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack.

8.     XO- In many militaries an executive officer or XO is the second-in-command reporting to the commanding officer.

9.     Sporadic- Not done or happening regularly.

10.  Imperceptible- Too small to be seen or noticed.

11.   Incendiary- That causes fire.

12.  Sanguine- Cheerful, hopeful and confident about the future.

What you could learn?

From such a story we could only take strength to face our adversaries. If they could face such extreme situations and be victorious. Why can’t we? No struggle is less but their struggle and decision to take action is all we should learn from their experiences. It’s sad and melancholy to know most of them had already left us. But it fills us with pride that they left us doing what they love to do that is protecting us and their motherland.

India’s Braveheart: Untold Stories from the Indian Army

Braveheart's Experience through Lt. General's Point of View

 

India’s Braveheart: Untold Stories from the Indian Army

 by Lt. Gen. Satish Dua (Rtd.)-Review

 

“He was born on Army Day. I had only one Child. I gave him to the Army. No father can be prouder.”

This book is one of my favorite books that I have read so far. It tells the tale of an officer who was once a Lieutenant and retired as Lt. General later. This book has explained the circumstances, experiences, and hurdles of Braveheart. Also, it tells the experience of an officer and how he was shaped into a gentleman whom a lot of people look up and follow him.

It’s a privilege to hear the story of Braveheart from the experience of Braveheart. This book has twelve chapters and every chapter has its tale to talk about the story of a different soldier. It also shows the relation between the Commanding Officers and his men. Circumstances they face and experience they gain in dealing with the situation.

This book starts with the story of Uri's surgical strike where General Sahaab has shared the experience and action taken by him when he was the core commander. He has explained the operation in subtle language and without revealing any crucial information that is not needed to be in the public domain. This chapter is one of my favorite chapters where I could read it again.

There are two more chapters that I liked it a lot and has a special place in my heart. One of them is the “Mai aur Meri Helmet”, It gives insight into the safety measure followed by the soldiers and commanding officers. It intrigues me how a soldier and High-Rank Officers are equal if he is part of the operation. General Sahaab was ordered to wear a helmet as the Subedar Major Sahaab has instructed his men not to let General Sahaab be a part of ambush if he didn’t wear a helmet. It was a surprise that even General Sahaab has to follow the rules set by his team.

Another Chapter that made me introspect is “Don’t call the Soldier”, shows the worry of a commanding officer if his men are tense during the operation which could lead to fatal injury or mistakes during the ambush. He has mentioned how one of his men was so frustrated as a hot iron that he warned people around him. He had later solved the issue by discussing it with him. One must read this book to know how a leader should lead his team when they are in distress.

If one could gain from this book is the experience to tackle their problems and get to know how the soldiers feel and live in extreme conditions. This book is filled with so many experiences where one soldier will never tell his pain when he is injured. It tells the story of a father who lost his only child. A Child cherished by his parent has decided to give his life to the very people who threw stones at him. It’s a story of a true warrior who gives you experience and teaching to be followed.

This book is written in simple language. There is minute use of technical words which could be understood by any type of reader. If one has to understand the view and experience of the soldiers this book is an amazing read.

What was added in your vocabulary?

1.      Contingency- A possible future situation or event.

2.     Petering- decrease or fading gradually before coming to an end.

3.     Spurred- to encourage his plan to work harder/faster.

4.     Colloquially- used in spoken conversation, not in formal situations.

5.     Hinterland- the areas of a country that are away from the coast, from the banks of a large river, or from the main cities.

6.     Vacillating- to keep changing your moods or opinions about something, especially in a way that annoys other people.

“To the brave Indian Soldier, who asks for so little, yet is always willing and ready to risk his life for the country.”

Love Happens at Unexpected Place

 

Love Happens at Unexpected Place

 

Book: Love Story of a Commando by Swapnil Pandey

At some point in their life, everyone meets someone, with whom they want to be. You could meet that person anywhere. But feeling that spark with Braveheart sure is an unexpected experience. This book is a story of a soldier who met her love of his life in an unexpected operation. I have read this book three times and it always gives me the same overwhelming feeling as I am reading it the first time. This post is based on the story of a soldier who meets his soul in an operation. I want to share my views on this book written by Swapnil Pandey.

Brief of the Love Story of Viraat and Riya

It starts with a knight and shining armor who was kissing his princess in a painting when She fell on him. It was love at first sight for both of them. Both of them felt the sparks between them. However, the meeting was short and both of them got apart from each other. Destiny brought them together again in an unexpected situation in Mumbai where he saved her in a Terrorist attack and expressed his feeling. Looks like destiny has its plan and they end up parting from each other. She moved to Kashmir and they both collided there when they got attacked by terrorists again. Accidentally crossed the border. They fought, loved, and share their moment.

What Is the beauty of this Love Story?

If I want to pinpoint what I like the most. I like the way the character was named after the few soldiers whom I know as I could relate them to the story. I like the way the story ends with a beautiful and subtle view of living happily ever after. One should not relate this scenario to a real-life event as it is fiction and it would not have any chance of this incident to happen in real life. It also a privilege that you could read it again and again as I have done it three times. It still gives you the feel of the romantic novel.

Scenario Where I didn’t connect with character’s nature

I don’t think there is anything I dislike about this story. I just didn’t get the part where He has to leave her without any explanation. I could understand leaving her and not contacting her as it was just a sudden meet. But in the second meet, they expressed their love. One should have a chance to explain things to the other. One thing that could bug is Captain Viraat leaving his team to save her. It is weird for an SPG of a PM to do that when he is assigned. However, there is a layering of the guard so it could be avoided as it is fiction. I didn’t find it odd.

Characters for who you Fell for?

If you don’t have favorite characters from a story; I think you should read that book again to understand it. So, I do have a long list of my favorite characters. They are-

1.      Horse, Knight and Princess

2.     Terrorist in Taj Hotel

3.     Honorable Prime Minister

4.     Captain Aakash

5.     Major Tushar 

What do you want from this Story to take?

If I want to take away anything from this book is Captain Viraat with due permission from the writer. I felt a different feel whenever I read his story though I didn’t like his abrupt absence from her life in this story.

What was added to your Vocabulary?

As every book teaches you something that’s the best thing that has happened to you. This book has surely increased my vocabulary. The new words that have become part of my vocabulary are-

1.      Neanderthals- Neanderthals are an extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago. 

2.     Cacophony- a mixture of loud, unpleasant sounds; noise

3.     Exuberance- effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic; lavishly abundant

4.     Moorish- The term "Moorish" comes from the Western European designation of the Muslim inhabitants of these regions as "Moors", which itself comes from Latin "Mauri"

5.     Demisexual- people only feel sexually attracted to someone when they have an emotional bond with the person. They can be gay, straight, bisexual, or pansexual, and may have any gender identity.

6.     Olfactory- of or relating to smelling or the sense of smell

7.     Panoramic- (of a view) wide and unobstructed, to take in an extensive area in all directions: In the north of Israel, along with the spectacular mountain ranges whose panoramic views include the Sea of Galilee sits in the ancient city of Safed.

8.     Ardor- very strong feelings of love; very strong feelings of admiration or excitement

9.     Bucolic- relating to or typical of rural life

10.  Pandemonium- as the capital of Hell is known in the epic poem, combines the Greek prefix pan-, meaning "all," with the Late Latin daemonium, meaning "evil spirit." (Daemonium itself traces back to the far more innocuous Greek word daimōn, meaning "spirit, deity.")

What do you learn from a Reading Habit?

I would request all people to make a habit of reading a book. You will learn a lot from fiction books as well. You could learn about the experience of the situation they were in. Their experience will teach you the strength to make your decision wisely and strongly whenever you face any difficulty in your life. Also, you will learn new words by reading different books of different genres too.

INS Sumitra: A Ray of Hope

 

INS Sumitra: A Ray of Hope

-Commodore Milind Mohan Mokashi,

CO, Shaurya Chakra, Year:2015

 

“This Is India’s Honour. We Can Not Fail”

[Narrator 1]

Everywhere you gaze, you will see the color blue. It could be metaphor or amusement to know that color of the sky is also blue and the color of the water is also blue. Nobody has thought that in the world of blur or water someone could pose a threat to America’s Ship. On 12 October 2000, Ship of America was attacked by the pirates or terrorists near the Post of Aden, Yemen. Nobody had imagined, America will be suffered from the loss of 17 and 37 injured American Navy Personnel. This would have been remembered if America hadn’t a setback of 9/11 in 2001. It has changed the vision of everyone that in international waters there can be a looming danger.

Despite these challenges, India has its tales to tell their people where our very own country has given a ray of hope of being the true savior or Messiah not to his people but the other people of another country as well. This is the story of an Indian Commodore and his ship INS Sumitra who had saved the lives of 1621 people from the conflict area of Yemen. A Commodore who was later awarded the Shaurya Chakra third highest gallantry award.

[Narrator 2]

Location: Gulf of Arabia

Date: March 2015

This is the time there was a war going on between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Newly inducted INS Sumitra with his Commodore and 150 Navy Sailors were sailing through the Gulf of Arabia and moving towards the Port of Aden. It was deployed for the anti-piracy mission in this area when Commodore Milind Mohan Mokashi got to know about the war of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. They have decided to save the citizen of their own countries from a war zone. It was a matter of pride and respect to prove that they are the protector of their people.

After getting the orders from HQ on 31st March 2015, He and his XO started planning and preparing for the evacuation plan. Cabins were emptied by the navy personnel for the citizens and it was decided that food was first to be given to civilians and after that, they would eat as the ration was limited. A separate cabin was made for the medical treatment of the people who have medical people.

 

[Narrator 1]

Commodore deployed a team of 8 Marcos on a boat to sanitize the threat of the suspicious boat or for anti-terrorist activities. Navy personnel with a weapon had been ordered to be alert to tackle the terrorist attack. On the afternoon of 31st March 2015, INS Sumitra was just 50 km away from the Port of Aden. They could see the devastation that was happening there. The Port was already closed by Saudi Arabia and controlling the space area of the port and INS Sumitra was just 22 km away from the port. Commodore was waiting for permission from Saudi Arabia. However, Permission from Saudi was not possible and diplomats of India in Yemen were not present at the port.

However, an Indian citizen was working as a school principal who has accepted the post of the honorary council of India. Commodore contacted the principal about the situation and told him that ship was moving toward the port and it will be difficult to use boats after 5:30 pm. Permission was not granted and the night was fallen. Commodore decided to move forward and with his troops. Marcos has docked their boat at the port and they informed the commodore that they need to evacuate the civilians as soon as possible.

[Narrator 2]

INS Sumitra was 6 km away from the port when Commodore receives the information that 350 Indian citizens had been hiding in a container and its way beyond the capability of INS Sumitra. At 7;45 p.m., INS Sumitra docked at port. Seeing the warship of India at port Yemen authority person came ahead and talked with Commodore.

Yemen Personnel ordered, “They have to board every Citizen in next 45 minutes at leave from here”.

They had 45 minutes to let the 350 people board and then leave the port. A major problem was the threat of terrorists going on board would destroy the ship. Meanwhile, Commodore received the call from the Navy HQ to leaving the port with Indian citizens as soon as possible. Commodore was confident and firm to evacuate his people and instructed the naval personnel to handle them with care.

Commodore instructed, “They have to leave their business, jobs, and everything. Every naval personnel should behave politely, nobody will scream, shout and get angry at them. Some of them our children and old people. Treat them as their family members who are facing this problem”.

After completing the instruction Commodore shouts with a cry, “Gentlemen Let’s Bring Our People Home”.

After filling the navy personnel with courage, the process of boarding the people started. After scanning the luggage, it had been kept at one place of the ship. Every Photo is clicked and checking had been done. Two old women had been selected to check the women for security as there are no women in the navy warship.

[Narrator 1]

There were two layers of safeguarding INS Sumitra. The outer layer was protected by the team of 8 Marcos whose task was to neutralize the vessel or boat that is a threat to INS Sumitra. The inner layer would be guarded and eyes were kept by the QRT team of Weapon laced Navy Officers.

Doctors present at the Warship started checking the people with a disease like diabetes, heart or who needs medical attention. People had been provided with food, water, and drink. The kitchen of the warship has to provide food for 500 people. So, they decided that the first civilian will be provided with the food and after that, navy personnel would eat food. Nobody would touch the food before every people of India had finished their food. Also, the cabins were already vacated by non-commissioned or commissioned officers for the people of India.

After the boarding of the last passenger, Marcos and the QRT team boards INS Sumitra and Our Ray of Hope INS Sumitra start moving from Port of Aden. It sailed throughout the night to move out of the war zone. People of India slept peacefully in INS Sumitra after so many days.

 

 On 1 April 2015 at 7:00 a.m., INS Sumitra reached Djibouti, the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Arabia where Foreign Minister of India, General V.K. Singh (Rtd.) was waiting to welcome the People of India. This information to evacuating the People of India had been spread all over the world through media. Photos of the naval personnel were shared over social media.

[Narrator 2]

Location: Djibouti

Time: Noon, 1 April 2015

INS Sumitra was prepared to restock, Crew had merely relaxed for 2-3 hours that they received an order to rescue the People of India from another port city of Yemen Al Hudaydah, it was already been bombarded by Saudi Arabia where the people of India were working in the dairy factory. Commodore Mokashi Sailed to Al Hudaydah.

It was difficult to reach this port as it was instructed to stay and leave the port from morning to evening. Also, Commodore doesn’t have the navigational map for this port to reach. They only just have the order to evacuate the People of India. They didn’t know that this port has been captured by the rebels of Houthi. On 2 April 2015, INS Sumitra reached this port.

The team of Marcos was the first to dock at this port and cordon the area for security purposes. INS Sumitra docked at the port which was the most dangerous place at that time. Rebels of Houthi started coming towards the warship of India. The Marcos and Navy Personnel got alerted by them. Commodore instructed his men to let their gun down and boarded out the warship and started moving towards them.

Commodore politely told them, “We don’t have anything to do with their internal matter. We had come to evacuate the People of India. I promise we won’t interfere in their internal matter.” He further sternly told them, “If they lay a single finger or a single scratch has been done by you. I promise! Not Yemen even Houthi name will be wiped out from the World”.

Rebel of Houthi was stunned by the declaration of Indian Commodore and discuss with each other and informed, “You had 4 hours to evacuate from this place. We don’t want to see you and your face after 4 hours”.

After this Rebel of Houthi left from there and Commodore ordered to start the process of screening and boarding of the People of India. It took more than 4 hours to board all the people of India and night had already fallen. After the boarding of the last person. INS Sumitra started sailing from Al Hudydah. Commodore instructed the XO to increase the speed up to 25 knots that are 46 km/hour to leave this port as soon as possible. People started helping the crew and children were playing seeing the ship sailing for the first time.

On the night of 3 April 2015, INS Sumitra with 317 People of India reached Djibouti, Horn of Africa, Gulf of War. 

[Narrator 1]

After this INS Sumitra was instructed to evacuate the People of India from Ash Shishr where thousands of Indian citizens work for the Petro Masil Oil Terminal. Al Mukala was captured by the terrorist group Al Qaeda and it was 60 km away from the Ash Shishir. Maps and satellite images of Ash Shishir had been shared by the Navy HQ of Delhi. INS Sumitra reached Ash Shishir on 5 April 2015, there was no aircraft facility and no area for the dock. Commodore decided to dock the INS Sumitra near the port and people would board through boats. It was very dangerous to board people with boats due to security reasons and anything could be done.

Marcos team cordon area and QRT team of Navy hold their position to safeguard the people of India throughout the process of evacuation. The goodwill of India to evacuate the people has been vastly spread and INS Sumitra had been instructed to evacuate the people of Western Country or other countries as well. This also means the more looming danger for the evacuation process. The team of Marcos got aware of the boats which were unidentifiable whether they are civilians, fishermen, or terrorists.

The Team Leader of Marcos told his team to be prepared for the action. They hold the rifles towards their boats. In few hours, the most dangerous rescue mission had been put in action Indian Navy Officers let the 203 people boarded INS Sumitra by using 2 boats. During the evacuation process Team of Marcos and QRT didn’t let the finger slide down from the trigger to safeguard the civilians. Seeing the mighty power of the Indian Navy, unidentified boats try to come close but stopped in mid. After completing the boarding, process, INS Sumitra sailed through the ocean to their safe destination. On 7 April 2015, INS Sumitra reached Djibouti, the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Africa where INS Sumitra was welcomed by its friends INS Tarksah and INS Mumbai had been reached there to assist its friend INS Sumitra.

[Narrator 2]

After so many days the crew of INS Sumitra had got the opportunity to relax. They got in touch with their family members and let them know that they do not have to worry about the danger looming over them. They would come back soon. On 9 April 2015, under the leadership of Commodore Mokashi INS Sumitra evacuates 349 civilians and on 15 April 2015, 403 civilians had been evacuated. 

During this period INS Sumitra had successfully evacuated 1621 civilians from which some of them belong to the 26 different nations. It was an irony for the people of Pakistan that they were also rescued by us without any sentiment of hatred. Commodore was not aware of the elderly citizen of Pakistan until they introduced themselves to him to thank him. He politely informed me that he was doing his job.

On Independence Day 2015, Commodore Mokashi was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for unparalleled valor, conspicuous gallantry, bold and daring decisive actions beyond the call of duty. Also, INS Sumitra became the Presidential Yacht during the International Fleet Review and received a unit citation in 2016.

It’s a beautiful narrative that people forget over and over, but Soldiers like Captain Mokashi always set an example and give assurance that they are always standing before us to face the adversary. We should be always thankful for their services. We truly are indebted and fill us with pride.

When I read this story in a book. I was overwhelmed. Now I am awestruck to relive this moment again by expressing my views on it.

It was rightly said by Captain Mokashi during the Rescue Mission, “This Is India’s Honour. We Can Not Fail”.

 

Source and credit of this content are given below-

How Indian Commander & His Warship Rescued Thousands of Civilians Abroad | India's Bravest S2E2 - YouTube

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INDIA'S MOST FEARLESS: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes eBook: Aroor, Shiv, Singh, Rahul: Amazon.in: Kindle Store