Visakhapatnam: Stating that President Ram Nath Kovind will be in Vizag city on December 7 to participate in the Eastern Naval Command Golden Jubilee celebrations, Vice-Admiral Atul Kumar Jain said that the primary emphasis of the ENC is to be on guard always against anti-national and subversive elements at work, at home as well as online. Speaking on the 71st Independence Day celebrations at Parade Grounds of the Command here on Tuesday, Mr Jain emphasised that the primary responsibility of ENC is to ensure that the ships, submarines and aircraft are combat ready at all times in order to meet the mandated task of ensuring the maritime security of the nation.

Earlier, an impressive parade enthralled the naval officials and their family members. Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, Chief of Staff, ENC, was the conducting officer of the parade. Naval officials recalled that ENC was established in 1968 with a responsibility for safe guarding India's maritime interest across the canvas of the geopolitically strategic Eastern Seaboard.

“ENC is the largest geographical Command of the Indian Armed Forces, extending from the Sunderbans in the North, to the Gulf of Mannar in the South,” they said. In a parallel event at the “Victory at Sea” War Memorial on the Beach Road in the morning, Vice Admiral SR Sarma, Director General Naval Projects, placed a floral wreath and paid tributes to martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation.

A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the martyrs. The parade concluded with the singing of the National Anthem by all present after an impressive fly-past by two Chetak and two UH3H helicopters, one Dornier and two Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft.

Mammoth Cakes, huge flags part of I-Day celebrations:

The 71st Independence Day was celebrated with full fervour and also some different ways. Cutting cake as big as 71 ft, taking up rally with long tricolour flag were some of the ways to celebrate the day. Public Sector Units, state government entities, educational institutions conducted various activities to celebrate the day remembering the sacrifices given by the freedom fighters.

A 71-ft cake was cut and , an eating competition was conducted by Ken Foundation Society and Fusion Foods on Tuesday. People from different age brackets turned up for the event and enjoyed the day to fullest. District collector Pravin Kumar graced the occasion and cut the cake.