Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a group photograph with the awardees on the occasion of the Indian Coast Guard Investiture Ceremony, in New Delhi on October 09, 2021. (PIB)
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conferred gallantry and meritorious service medals on the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel at an investiture ceremony held in New Delhi on October 09, 2021.
A total of 21 awards, including three President’s Tatrakshak Medals (Distinguished Service), eight Tatrakshak Medals (Gallantry) and 10 Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) were presented during the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh said that these awards & medals would not only boost the morale of the awardees but inspire other ICG personnel to give their best to safeguard the interests of the nation.
He lauded the efforts of ICG in maintaining the safety of the maritime frontiers and securing the vast coastline of the country.
“The ICG, which began their service to the nation with just 4-6 boats, is now one of the best maritime forces in the world with over 150 ships and 66 aircraft.”
He said India’s culture, literature, trade & economy are closely linked with the sea.
He voiced the Government’s resolve of bolstering the country’s maritime security, terming it a crucial aspect of comprehensive internal & external security framework.
The Defence Minister termed ‘unhindered maritime activity’ as a necessity to move ahead on the path of rapid development.
He stated that India is a rising maritime power and its prosperity is largely dependent on the sea.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘SAGAR’, i.e. ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’, he lauded the ICG for being at the forefront in achieving that goal by promoting regional cooperation, maintaining maritime peace in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and working closely with international maritime agencies.
Director-General, ICG, K Natarajan and senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and Indian Coast Guard were present on the occasion.
Following the Investiture ceremony, Rajnath Singh also addressed the 38th Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference. The Conference is an annual meet that is attended by all the senior officers of the ICG and Ministry of Defence. (Press Release)
