This clock appeared on the first INS Vikrant in 1961 after India bought a British-origin aircraft carrier HMS Hercules and gave it an Indian name
Published Date – Mon, 04/10/23 at 06:40 AM
Source: ANI.
New Delhi: The clock installed on the first INS Vikrant, which has been part of the Indian Navy since 1961 for 36 years, has now been returned to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the country’s latest first ship of the same name, the Made in India “Aircraft carrier last year.
This clock appeared on the first INS Vikrant in 1961, after India bought a British-origin aircraft carrier, HMS Hercules, and gave it an Indian name.
“The bell was on board the first INS Vikrant, which served until 1997 when it was decommissioned. The bell later came out from there and was erected at the residence designated by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy 5 Motilal Nehru Marg,” a navy official told ANI.
Clocks have traditionally played an important role on both warships, as they help tell the time to sailors and officers performing different duties, as well as during emergencies, the officers said.
The bell was returned to INS Vikrant by the retired Undersecretary of the Navy, Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, on March 22 last month.
The former deputy chief of staff decided to return the bells as the force already had its first ‘Made in India’ indigenous aircraft carrier and would do a better job there to inspire young people to learn about their ships and India, officials said The rich history of the Navy.
The traditional bell has become part of proud history as it was on a warship when it played a key role in the bombing of Pakistan and the blockade of Karachi port in 1971.
The warship has been active in India’s war with Pakistan and is deployed at key locations to promote national security.
The new warship INS Vikrant was commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Cochin on September 2 last year, becoming the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier.
The warship is experimenting with fighter jet operations on its deck and is now likely to be fully operational soon.
