78 Swimmers from ANC Complete Independence Day Swim in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
On the 78th Independence Day, 78 swimmers from the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) completed the ‘Independence Day Swim’ from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island to Marina Bay. The swim covered 21 islands named after Param Vir Chakra awardees and was part of the Param Vir expedition by the tri-services of the ANC.
Event Highlights
The ceremony was attended by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, Commander in Chief of ANC, who marked the end of the expedition. In his address, Air Marshal Balakrishnan said, “As we celebrate 78 years of freedom, we also showed the strength of a triumph of a journey that was flagged off on March 22, 2024, that tested the limits, challenged the resolve and ultimately revealed the power of immense spirit and determination to the team. We have gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the remarkable swimming expedition. It’s our tribute to the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering spirit of our nation’s true heroes, our Param Vir Chakra Awardees.”
Welfare Initiatives
Air Marshal Balakrishnan also mentioned that the ANC has taken up various programmes under the Union government’s Viksit Bharat initiative. These include missions like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Swatch Bharat Abhiyaan.’ Each unit of the command has adopted a village to provide medical aid, educational assistance, and support for orphanages and elderly people. The ANC also reaches out to ex-servicemen on the island.
Commendations
On Thursday, Air Marshal Balakrishnan awarded commendations to outstanding Armed Forces personnel of ANC for their exceptional service.
Doubts Revealed
ANC -: ANC stands for Andaman and Nicobar Command. It is a part of the Indian Armed Forces that looks after the security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Independence Day -: Independence Day is celebrated on August 15th every year in India. It marks the day when India became free from British rule in 1947.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island -: This is an island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands named after a famous Indian freedom fighter, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Marina Bay -: Marina Bay is a place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the swimmers finished their swim.
Param Vir Chakra -: Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military award given for bravery in the face of the enemy.
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan -: Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan is a high-ranking officer in the Indian Air Force and the Commander in Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
Viksit Bharat initiative -: Viksit Bharat initiative is a program aimed at developing and improving various aspects of India, including welfare missions for the people.
commendations -: Commendations are special awards or praises given to people for doing something very well.
