Kendrapada has become a focal point of reflection as India observes its 53rd Navy Day, with a poignant account shared by a naval veteran who played a crucial role in a significant operation during the 1971 war. Sanatan Sahu, a 75-year-old resident of Madhapur village, vividly recalls the moments that not only marked a turning point in naval warfare but also played a pivotal role in India’s military history.
Sahu served as a young signalman aboard the INS Kiltan, participating in the daring Operation Trident, which he describes as a mission that “set Karachi ablaze.” The operation unfolded on the night of December 4, 1971, following Pakistan’s air strikes on Indian airfields in Punjab. Sahu illuminates the memory of that fateful night, recalling, “We left Bombay harbour under the cover of darkness. By 3 am, we were positioned near Karachi port, ready to deliver what would become one of India’s most decisive naval strikes.”
The operation was not only a response to aggression but also an assertive demonstration of India’s naval capabilities. Sahu recalls the ensuing devastation: “Karachi burned for seven days. We destroyed their minesweepers, destroyers, and ammunition cargo vessels. The fuel storage tanks went up in flames — we watched it all from our ship’s deck.” Under the command of Commander B B Yadav, Operation Trident showcased India’s strategic military strength and dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s maritime readiness.
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Sahu views his participation in Operation Trident as the crowning achievement of his two-decade naval career, which spanned from 1967 to 1987. Even after his retirement, where he worked in a public sector bank until 2009, he remains actively involved with his family in Kendrapada, where the pride his children take in his achievements is palpable. “All my children are proud of my status as a war hero,” he remarks, underscoring the esteem he has gained within his community.
While Sahu’s story is one of valor and recognition, he also expresses concern over the overshadowed narratives of many veterans whose sacrifices have not received the same attention. As he reflects on the historical significance of Operation Trident, he emphasizes its role in challenging the two-nation theory that had paved the way for Pakistan’s creation in 1947.
The conflict ultimately culminated in Pakistan’s surrender on December 16, 1971, an event that not only marked the liberation of Bangladesh but reshaped the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. The enduring effects of that war continue to influence regional dynamics today, highlighting why veterans like Sanatan Sahu are commemorated during Navy Day celebrations, remembering their courage and contributions in defense of the nation.
