The Hon’ble President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Shri Ram Nath Kovind awarded the President’s Colour to INS Shivaji, Lonavala, commanded by Commodore Ravnish Seth, on 13 Feb 2020. The President’s Colour is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit was received by Nishan Adhikari on behalf of INS Shivaji during an impressive ceremonial parade comprising 130 officers and 630 Sailors of the Indian Navy that also included a 150 men Guard of Honour.

Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command along with senior defence and civilian dignitaries were present on the occasion and witnessed the ceremonial parade.

The Hon’ble President congratulated the Officers and Sailors of INS Shivaji for their impeccable turnout, smart drill and impressive appearance of the establishment. He also congratulated the personnel of INS Shivaji both Past and Present for the great service rendered to the nation for the past 75 years in pursuance of their duties. The contribution of INS Shivaji in training of modern-day Marine Engineers was specially noted by the Hon’ble President. The Hon’ble President wished all personnel of INS Shivaji greater heights and achievements in following decades of technological era to conclude his speech.

INS Shivaji was established in 1945 and it is one of the premier training establishments of Indian Navy. The establishment has been entrusted with responsibility of imparting training to officers and sailors of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign navies in the domains of Marine Engineering. Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence including Damage Control and Fire Fighting, Main & Auxiliary Controls. Overall, the establishment conducts more than 500 courses for officers and sailors and has an annual training throughput of more than 2800 officers and 7800 sailors. Shivaji also has the proud privilege of imparting training to personnel from 20 countries worldwide with an annual throughput of over 250 international trainees on an average.

A Special Cover marking the Platinum Jubilee of INS Shivaji was also released by the Hon’ble President. The award of Presidents Colour marks a very important milestone in the history of INS Shivaji. The President’s Colour shall be proudly displayed and carried at all ceremonial parades at INS Shivaji to motivate and inspire all future Marine Engineers of the Navy.