Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the Indian Navy personnel on Monday. This time PM Modi reached the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, located near the Goa and Karwar coast. He interacted with the naval officers and soldiers and said that he was fortunate to celebrate Diwali with the naval personnel. PM Modi said, “Today, on one side I have the infinite sky and the ocean in front of me, and on the other side, this huge INS Vikrant, which is a symbol of infinite power. The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean is like the lamps lit by the brave soldiers.”
INS Vikrant is 262 meters long and weighs approximately 45,000 tons. It is larger and more advanced than its predecessor. It is powered by four gas turbines, providing a total power of 88 megawatts, and has a maximum speed of 28 knots. The total cost of the project was approximately ₹20,000 crore. It was developed in three phases – May 2007, December 2014, and October 2019.
INS Vikrant uses over 76 percent indigenous content. It is a successful example of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. The aircraft carrier has a high degree of automation for machinery operation, navigation, and safety. It is designed to operate 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov-31 and MH-60R multi-role helicopters, as well as indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy). With the delivery of INS Vikrant, India has joined the select group of countries that can indigenously design and build aircraft carriers.
Last year, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with the armed forces near the India-Pakistan border in Kutch. Diwali is a five-day festival, beginning with Dhanteras. It is followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. During this festival, people worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, and on Bhai Dooj, brothers and sisters exchange blessings and gifts. This year, the Diwali celebrations on INS Vikrant reflect the importance of India’s security, naval power, and a self-reliant India.
