The lawn of Lascar War Memorial was a sight to behold in the evening of November 08 as members of the spectators started filling in. A stage lit up with the Tri colours flanked the head of the manicured lawn with the words ‘Indian Navy: Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future ready’ displayed in large bold letters on a board. The occasion was a spectacular performance by the Eastern Naval Command Band.
The band performed a diverse repertoire amalgamating martial music, popular Western symphonies and Indian classical music with compositions of contemporary genres including pop music. The Eastern Naval band performed under the baton of Lieutenant Commander Jayabal Padmanabhan enthralled the audience.
Major General Dutta Kiran Joshi MG (MED), HQ Eastern Command was the Chief Guest for the event and felicitated the artists and performers in the presence of Commodore Ajay Yadav, Naval Officer-in-Charge, West Bengal.
Some senior Army, Air Force and Naval Officers serving well as Veterans were also present at this gala event.
In addition, over 600 children from Schools, NCC, SCC, Maritime University Cadets, and Defence Civilians were graced this auspicious occasion.
The Indian Navy Band not only plays an important role in boosting the morale of the Indian Armed Forces but also helps to facilitate diplomacy among countries.
In the final act, the ‘Tri-Service Marching Song’ comprising the marching tunes from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Indian Army and culminating into the National Anthem, brought the event to a grand close.
(Mrs.Pratyusha Mukherjee, is an Independent Sr. Broadcast Journalist working for British Media associated with us as Editorial head of Defence & Sports. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and Indian media awards for Journalism.)
