In a significant nod to India’s enduring maritime legacy, Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, Director General Medical Services (Navy), visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) and the iconic archeological site of Lothal on April 26, 2025. Her visit underscored the Indian Navy’s dedication to preserving the country’s ancient seafaring traditions while celebrating its evolution into a modern maritime force.
Vice Admiral Sahai, who assumed office as DGMS (Navy) on October 14, 2024, toured several exhibits at the NMHC, including the decommissioned warship Ex-Nishank and the IL-38SD aircraft. The Ex-Nishank, a Veer-class missile corvette that served for over three decades, played a pivotal role in key operations such as Operation Vijay during the 1999 Kargil War. The IL-38SD maritime reconnaissance aircraft stands as a testament to the Navy’s operational reach and technological advancement.
She also reviewed the ongoing development of the NMHC’s Phase 1A, which spans 35 acres and includes five themed galleries and a dedicated naval gallery, all part of a ₹774.23 crore project under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ Sagarmala initiative.
Located near the ancient city of Lothal—a major port of the Indus Valley Civilization dating back to around 2400 BCE—the NMHC aims to bridge India’s maritime past with its present. Lothal, once a bustling trade center with links to Mesopotamia, is considered one of the world’s earliest dockyards. Artifacts such as Persian Gulf seals found at the site speak to the depth and sophistication of ancient India’s maritime trade.
At the Varuna Naval Complex, Vice Admiral Sahai convened a conference with key stakeholders, including the Naval Liaison Team, Indian Navy Gujarat Naval Area representatives, the NMHC team, and Tata Projects Ltd., which is executing the construction. Discussions focused on the development of the naval gallery, the integration of historical narratives, and the importance of aligning modern naval accomplishments with India’s ancient maritime traditions.
Praising the collaborative efforts of all teams, Vice Admiral Sahai emphasized the importance of heritage conservation in strengthening national identity. She highlighted the value of the NMHC as a platform not only for public education but also for reinforcing the Navy’s role as a modern guardian of India’s long-standing seafaring culture.
Her visit follows recent engagements aimed at enhancing operational and medical capabilities across naval regions, including a review of healthcare infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands earlier this year.
As the NMHC nears completion, it is poised to become a landmark destination celebrating India’s vast maritime journey—from the dockyards of Lothal to the decks of state-of-the-art naval vessels—offering a compelling narrative of continuity, resilience, and maritime excellence.
