President Droupadi Murmu in Kerala for first time, to present President's Colour Award to INS Dronacharya
KOCHI: President Droupadi Murmu will arrive in Kochi on March 16 to present the 'President's Color Award' to Navy's INS Dronacharya. The President's Color Award is the highest recognition given to an armed forces unit. Murmu is visiting Kerala for the first time after becoming the President. The award will be presented at Dronacharya in Fort Kochi on March 16 at 4.30 pm.
INS Dronacharya in Fort Kochi is a weapons training center for sailors from India and abroad. Dronacharya is an important training center for the Indian Navy, offering training in the use of pistols, missiles, radars, etc. 820 officers and 1200 others are trained annually.
From Karachi to Kochi
The training center, which was part of the royal navy before independence, operated in Karachi. After partition, INS Vendurutty was shifted from Karachi, which was part of Pakistan, to Kochi, Willington Island. Later shifted to Fort Kochi beach.
Dronacharya also handled the security of the naval base and port. Dronacharya also has a huge arsenal of weapons ranging from small guns to missiles. Training is provided in all types of weapons and sophisticated equipment used by the navy. Apart from the Indian Navy, mariners of friendly nations are also regularly given expert training. Coast guard, marine police and state police are also trained.
Facilities of Dronacharya
- SRGM Gun Mount
- Maritime Museum
- Maritime Education Centre
- Fire Control System Stimulator
- Air Defense, IGLA Stimulator
- Surveillance radar
- Courses approved by Kochi University
- Rifle and Pistol Shooting Club
- Technical Reference Library
- Kendriya Vidyalaya
President's Color Award
The President's Color Award is the highest recognition given to armed forces units. Officers of the unit will also get a special insignia called 'Nishan' worn on the right arm of their uniform. The distinguished service award is presented by the President, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Before republic in 1950, the King's Flag and Queen's Flag were given. The 'President of the Republic of India’ Colors' award started in May 1951. The navy received the first award from Dr Rajendra Prasad.