The Indian Naval Base, INS Kadamba, celebrated its 19th anniversary on May 31, 2024, with a series of community-driven events and engagements. Established in 2005, INS Kadamba has grown to become one of the Indian Navy’s premier bases, playing a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
This year’s anniversary celebrations were marked by a blend of social responsibility initiatives, health drives, and interactions with veterans, reflecting the base’s commitment to its motto: Shaurya, Sahas, Jazba (Courage, Valor, Passion).
The day began with a large-scale coastal cleanup drive along the picturesque Karwar coastline. Hundreds of personnel from INS Kadamba, along with their families and local volunteers, participated in this environmental initiative.
The drive aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and reducing pollution. Participants collected and disposed of several tons of plastic waste and other debris, making the beaches cleaner and safer for both humans and marine life.
Following the coastal cleanup, a blood donation camp was organized in collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society.
The camp saw enthusiastic participation from the naval personnel and their families, highlighting the spirit of selflessness and community service that defines the ethos of the Indian Navy. The collected blood units will be used to support local hospitals and medical facilities, providing critical aid to patients in need.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, a special event was organized to honor the veterans who have served at INS Kadamba over the years.
This interaction provided an opportunity for the current personnel to meet and learn from the experiences of their predecessors. The veterans shared stories of their service, offering insights and advice to the younger generation of naval officers and sailors.
Commander (Retd) Suresh Malhotra, a veteran who served at INS Kadamba during its early years, expressed his gratitude for the event, stating, “It’s heartening to see how the base has evolved and grown over the years. The spirit of camaraderie and dedication that we instilled continues to thrive, and I am proud to be a part of this legacy.”
In his address to the ship’s company, Captain Ramesh Kumar re-emphasized the ship’s motto of Shaurya, Sahas, Jazba, urging all personnel to uphold these values in their daily duties. He highlighted the importance of courage, valor, and passion in maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the base.
“Our motto is not just a set of words; it is a way of life. As we celebrate our 19th anniversary, let us renew our commitment to these principles and strive for excellence in all our endeavors.
Whether it is protecting our nation’s maritime borders or contributing to our community, let us do so with courage, valor, and passion,” Captain Kumar said.
The 19th anniversary celebrations of INS Kadamba were a resounding success, reflecting the base’s dedication to community service, environmental stewardship, and honoring its veterans.
The various events not only highlighted the operational capabilities and readiness of the base but also showcased the humanitarian and community-oriented spirit of the Indian Navy.
As INS Kadamba moves forward, it continues to embody the principles of Shaurya, Sahas, Jazba, ensuring the security and prosperity of India’s maritime interests while fostering a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility.
