Goa: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Administrative & Training building, named ‘Chola’, at the Naval War College (NWC), Goa, on March 5, 2024. The modern edifice, symbolically paying homage to the maritime empire of the Chola dynasty, underscores India’s rich maritime legacy.
During the inauguration ceremony, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for establishing a world-class training facility at the NWC, aligning with India’s stature among maritime powers. He emphasized that Chola Bhawan serves as a testament to India’s commitment to shedding the shackles of colonialism and embracing its historical heritage, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for national pride.
Furthermore, Rajnath Singh highlighted the paradigm shift in addressing maritime threats under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He emphasized the government’s focus on bolstering India’s maritime capabilities in response to evolving challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The Raksha Mantri reiterated India’s commitment to upholding a rules-based maritime order and safeguarding the autonomy and sovereignty of neighboring countries in the IOR.
The inauguration also witnessed the unveiling of two major piers at Naval Base, Karwar, capable of accommodating multiple naval vessels simultaneously. These infrastructure developments, part of Project Seabird, align with India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and aim to strengthen the strategic presence on the western coast.
Addressing the audience, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar emphasized the critical role of higher military education in addressing evolving security challenges. He expressed confidence that the new training facility at the NWC will serve as a beacon of maritime learning, fostering collaboration among Indian forces and maritime neighbors.
The event, attended by dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State Shripad Naik, marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime journey. It reinforces the nation’s commitment to excellence in military education and nurturing maritime thought for a secure and prosperous future.
