SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE PRESIDENTIAL BANQUET ON THE OCCASION OF THE NAVAL BAND CONCERT AND RELEASE OF THE COMMEMORATIVE STAMP

Mumbai, 19th December 2011

It gives me immense pleasure to be here at the Western Naval Command to review the Naval Fleet. The Indian Navy is a microcosm of India, with representations of people from all over the country living and working together without distinction of region, language, appearance, religion, caste or creed. This composite nature of the Navy conveys the diverse yet integrated structure of our nation and bodes well for its future. I congratulate all of you on the occasion of releasing a stamp today, in honour of our Navy!

Since the early years as an independent nation, our visionary national leaders realised the import of maritime affairs and the need to be strong at sea. Prime Minister Pandit Nehru once remarked, "To be secure on land, one must be supreme at sea". This remains as true today as it was then.

However, the security environment prevailing at that time, and our own resource limitations, placed severe constraints upon us to realise his vision to the fullest. The present scenario is not the same. India's growing national power and its expanding vital interests not only present an opportunity for us to strengthen our 'Blue Water' Navy, but make it imperative to do so. Yet, it is also true that India's growing interests are leading to commensurate additional responsibilities that will need to be shouldered by our Navy to ensure regional peace and stability.

I keenly look forward to witnessing our nation's naval capabilities tomorrow morning. This Banquet tonight hosted by the Western Naval Command is in keeping with the Indian Navy's traditional and typically warm hospitality. I would like to especially thank you, for your greetings on my birthday today. I wish the Navy success in all its future endeavours. I am sure that under its able leadership, the Indian Navy would keep the flag of our nation flying high.

Jai Hind!