In a remarkable display of naval power and community engagement, hundreds of schoolchildren and local residents converged at Gopalpur port in Ganjam district to witness the docking of the Indian Navy ship INS Kuthar. This event was organized as part of the celebrations for Navy Day, observed on December 4.
Among the enthusiastic crowd was Basundhara Panigrahy, a Class X student from a private school in Chhatrapur, who expressed her excitement about the unique opportunity to explore the naval vessel. “It was a unique opportunity to learn about its state-of-the-art facilities, interact with the crew, and understand the Navy’s operational activities,” she remarked. Panigrahy shared that despite having heard about the warship in the past, it was her first experience seeing it up close.
The two-day visit of INS Kuthar attracted not only students but also defense personnel from the Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur, along with port officials and their family members, who took advantage of the chance to learn more about the ship and the capabilities of the Indian Navy. The event was facilitated by Gopalpur port as part of an initiative to enhance public awareness regarding India’s naval competencies and the importance of coastal defense.
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INS Kuthar, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 7, 1990, boasts an impressive crew complement of 12 officers and 120 sailors. The ship is outfitted with advanced weaponry, including surface-to-surface missiles, medium and close-range guns, as well as surface-to-air missiles, underscoring its strategic importance within the Navy’s fleet.
The docking of INS Kuthar not only showcased the ship’s advanced technologies but also served as an educational experience for the young attendees, bridging the gap between the armed forces and the community they protect. As attendees departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of pride and understanding of India’s naval capabilities and the role the Navy plays in safeguarding the nation’s interests.
