Mumbai: ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – flag hoisting at Anjadip Island. On 13 Aug 2021, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh formally launched various major events virtually from New Delhi in commemoration of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
In accordance with those initiatives, a flag hoisting ceremony was undertaken at Anjadip Island through an event, centrally coordinated at New Delhi. The flag hoisting ceremony was presided by Rear Admiral Mahesh Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, with Naval Band playing the National Anthem.
The event was attended by Veterans, NCC cadets, School children, and media personnel from local media houses in addition to the Officers & Men of the Karnataka Naval Area.
The historical significance of Anjadip Island
The Island, which extends over 1.5 square Kilometres was under Portuguese occupation till 1961, well after our country’s independence from the British in 1947. The conquest of Goa by the Portuguese was launched from this island. Anjadip Island also played a pivotal role in the liberation of Goa from the Portuguese. The Indian Navy’s ‘Operation Vijay’ was initiated on the 18th of Dec 1961. Seven sailors paid the ultimate sacrifice while two officers and seventeen sailors were wounded. The Naval taskforce captured the Anjadip Island which ended the Portuguese rule in India.
