VASCO
Stating that defence forces have been modernised, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday appealed to Goan youth to join the defence forces for a great career. He was speaking along the sidelines of an official day at sea organised by Goa Naval Area.
Governor Mridula Sinha, Minister for Art & Culture Govind Gawde, Minister of Panchayats Mauvin Godinho, Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma, DIG Police Dr Muktesh Chander and government officials sail onboard INS Kochi with Naval ship's Chennai and Cankarso in company for a ‘Day at Sea'.
Speaking to the media, Godinho said the naval ship INS Kochi was one of the three naval ships of its kind and launched by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar during his tenure as defence minister.
"It's a proud feeling that a Goenkar was at such a high position and today, we are sailing in the ship that he launched. We must remember that he has given up such a big post so that he can take care of Goa," said Godinho.
"Today ‘Make in India' programme is successful and Goa itself is getting many proposals. We are getting advanced technologically and our youth are also getting job opportunities."
Godinho further said the biggest air wing of the Navy was in Goa and Goa will soon have two civilian airports - Dabolim and Mopa along with the defense airport at Dabolim.
"Naval airport will remain along with civilian airports. Some people say Navy should shift. Where is our patriotism? We must remember that the entire Naval air wing operation of the country begins from Goa. Goa is the house of the Naval biggest air wing unit," he added.
The dignitaries were given an exposure to the life at sea through the conduct of various evolutions and live demonstrations which included high speed manoeuvers by ships and Fast Interceptor Crafts, transfer of personnel and material between ships, search and rescue demonstration by Naval helicopters and flight demonstration by various aircraft of the Indian Navy during the day.
Rear Admiral Puneet K Bahl, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area, welcomed the dignitaries onboard Kochi and oversaw the evolutions conducted as part of day at sea.
