Kerala - Kochi   

Evolution of communication in navy on show in Kochi

KOCHI: An exhibition organised at the Southern Naval Command here in connection with the golden jubilee of the Signal School of the navy showcases the metamorphosis of communication equipment used by the force.

From torches, coloured lanterns, telescope and signalling-flags, the force now uses mobile satellite services for signalling and communication.

The stall of the school was in demand, with college students and others clarifying doubts on how ships communicate with each other, aircraft and with land installations.

The personnel manning the stall spoke of how ships rely on the distress beacon to send messages to satellites, which in turn alerted shore establishments about the vessel needing urgent help.

Officer-in-Charge of the Signal School Captain M.S. Chandrasekhar said that over 100 former navy communication officers were in Kochi to participate in a get-together of past and present personnel.

Capt. Chandrasekhar spoke of how the communication sailors of the then Royal Indian Navy on board HMS Talwar began an uprising (Indian Naval Uprising) against the British in 1946, which played a crucial role in the British losing the loyalty of Indian military personnel.

“The sailors on board the vessel transmitted messages to other ships in Malayalam, using Roman script. Thus, personnel of the other units too joined in the uprising. Keralites once dominated the navy communication wing,” he said.

The stall of Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore, had graphics showing different types of data communication. Many private companies too had set up stalls. They showcased the advances in the field of communication and IT.

A national seminar on ‘Indian Naval communication and electronic warfare’ was inaugurated at the school on Saturday by Vice-Admiral Sunil K Damle, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.

He released a school magazine ‘Call Sign’ and a special cover was released by Shoba Koshy, Postmaster General, Central Region.

Vice-Admiral J.S. Bedi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, released Strength Five, a coffee-table book on the Signal School and the Navy’s communication branch. Six papers were presented by delegates on topics related to communications and electronic warfare.

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