Navy Day: PM Narendra Modi presents four innovation trophies

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today presented four innovation trophies to recognize innovations by naval personnel on the occasion of Navy Day.

The Prime Minister was also given a demonstration of salient innovations and indigenisation initiatives by young personnel of the Indian Navy, during the Navy Day reception at the Navy House here.

The 'At Home' was attended by President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and others.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar did not attend the reception as he left for US early in the morning on an official visit.

Interestingly, neither was former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or Congress President Sonia Gandhi present like last year.

Both were also missing at the Air Force's 'At Home' held in October.

Meanwhile, talking about the award defence sources said the Navy has instituted the award to promote and facilitate innovations by youth of the nation.

This initiative has led to enthusiastic competition amongst a wide cross-section of young Officers, sailors and defence civilians of various trades and specialisations.

Units of all Commands, including Andaman and Nicobar Command, have participated, they said.

A total of 135 entries highlighting significant innovations in operations and maintenance domains, were received as nominations after short-listing by respective Commands.