Srinagar, July 07: Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Thursday said that the Indian navy has only seven soldiers from Ladakh, but in the future they want more participation of youth in the defence services.
Addressing the gathering in Sindu Sanskriti Auditorium in Leh during the outreach program “Julley Ladakh ”, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said at present Navy has only 7 members from Ladakh including 6 sailors and 1 officer.
“I wish this number should be at least 700. In the near future, we want to have a soldier from every block of the country and after that from every village of the country,” he said.
While paying tribute to Indian army soldiers and IAF soldiers who lost their lives in the Ladakh sector, the Navy Chief said India as a nation must always remember the fallen heroes who give up their lives, who give up their today for our tomorrow.
“I can’t think of a better occasion to pay homage to them. Hardly anybody from this region is in the Navy. We have a total number of 7 people, one officer and 6 sailors that is all out of 70 thousand personnel,” he added.
Navy Chief further said that he feels the number from Ladakh is very less. We have come with our team which has deployed for almost 30 days and we will spread awareness about the Navy,” he said.
The officer also said that during the next 30 days, they will be visiting schools, and colleges and motivating them.
He said the multidimensional outreach program is dedicated to strengthening the connection with the Union Territory of Ladakh.
“This program is aimed to enhance greater participation of the youth from Ladakh in the Defence Services, strengthen nation-building and promote maritime consciousness in the region,” the Navy Chief added.
Adm R Hari Kumar CNS laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial and paid his respects to the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
The events that will be undertaken in Ladakh as part of Indian Navy outreach will include a public band performance by the Naval Band, a friendly football match between the Indian Navy and the Ladakh UT Team, Flagging Off the Bike and Car Expedition, and visits to various schools.
On Friday, a friendly football match between the Navy Team & the Ladakh team is scheduled at the Spituk Football Stadium, which will be witnessed by the CNS as chief host and the LG as chief guest.
The LG will also flag off the Motorcycle and Car Expeditions on their return leg to Delhi and Visakhapatnam respectively. The CNS and President NWWA will also be visiting and interacting with the students and faculty of Lamdon Sr Sec School.
Navy personnel of Ladakh domicile from various naval stations will participate in these events and will also share their enriching experiences & success stories to encourage youth to participate in greater numbers in joining the Navy.
