The Hindu : National : An eclectic mix of local and national cultures marks 68th anniversary of INS Venduruthy

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An eclectic mix of local and national cultures marks 68th anniversary of INS Venduruthy

Special Correspondent

KOCHI: INS Venduruthy, home to the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command and the public face of the Navy here, celebrated its 68th anniversary of commissioning on Thursday.

Hibi Eden, MLA, inaugurated the festivities by lighting a traditional lamp. The celebrations, an eclectic mix of local and national cultures, reflected the composition of the ship's company of Venduruthy, which includes over 600 civilians, besides uniformed personnel. At the function, Commodore M.R. Ajaykumar, Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy and Naval Officer in-Charge, Kerala, along with Mr. Eden presented proficiency awards and cash awards for the year. N. Venugopal, Cochin Corporation councillor and senior naval officers witnessed the celebrations. A traditional community feast, Badakhana, followed.

Established originally as a small naval contingent way back in 1939 under Royal Indian Navy Captain L. Wadeson for defending Kochi and operating a port wireless signal station with just about 20 officers and 50 ratings (sailors), HMIS (His Majesty's Indian Ship) Venduruthy, with Commander G.S. Baker RINR (Royal Indian Naval Reserve) at the helm, was commissioned on June 23, 1943.

Post-Independence, following the shifting of some naval training schools to Pakistan, Venduruthy was identified to set up corresponding training establishments.

At present, it is home to various important training institutions of the Indian Navy.

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