INS Vikrant gets back its ‘original’ 1961 bell: India’s naval history has been enriched with the return of a historic bell that was installed on the first INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1961. The 1961 bell had been placed on the original INS Vikrant for nearly 36 years after India bought a British-origin aircraft carrier HMS Hercules and renamed it. However, when the first INS Vikrant carrier was decommissioned in 1997, the bell was removed and placed at the designated residence of Indian Navy Vice Chief 5, Motilal Nehru Marg.
INS Vikrant gets back its ‘original’ 1961 bell
Recently, retired Vice Admiral SN Ghormade decided to return the bell on March 22 to motivate India’s youth about the rich history of their ship and the Indian Navy. This gesture was appreciated by many and was seen as an effort to reconnect India’s youth with their naval history.
The INS Vikrant has played a significant role in India’s naval history. During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, the historic bell was on board the INS Vikrant when it enforced the naval blockade of East Pakistan, which played a crucial role in India’s victory in the war.
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Navy officials believe that traditionally bells have played an important role on a warship, not only as a means of communication but also as a symbol of tradition and pride. The historic bell has been a part of India’s naval tradition and history, and its return is seen as a symbol of the country’s respect for its past and the role it played in shaping its future.
A symbol
The new indigenous INS Vikrant, commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kochi on September 2, 2022, has continued the legacy of its predecessor by serving as a symbol of India’s technological advancements and military might. The commissioning of INS Vikrant was a proud moment for the Indian Navy, as it showcased the country’s capabilities in designing and building a warship of such scale and complexity.
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The return of the historic 1961 bell to the INS Vikrant has not only reconnected India’s youth with their naval history but also highlighted the country’s pride in its military legacy. The INS Vikrant’s legacy continues to inspire the Indian Navy and serves as a reminder of the country’s achievements in the field of defense.
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