Port Blai(Sri Vijaya Puram): Twenty-five years of military jointness, operational commitment and service to the nation will come under the spotlight as the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s first and only Quad-Service Command, launches its Silver Jubilee celebrations with a series of military, sporting, welfare and community outreach programmes across the Islands.
The celebrations, which bring together serving personnel, veterans, their families and the island community, will highlight the Command’s pivotal role in safeguarding India’s strategic eastern maritime approaches and wider maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific.
From tsunami relief to maritime security
Over the past quarter-century, the ANC has remained at the forefront of military operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including the response to the devastating 2004 tsunami and Operation MADAD. Its contribution to numerous search and rescue missions has further underlined the Command’s operational significance.
Beyond disaster response, the Command has played a key role in strengthening regional maritime security and protecting India’s maritime interests in a strategically vital part of the Indian Ocean.
Former Commanders-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCANs), will participate in the celebrations, providing an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to the Command’s growth and evolution.
The Silver Jubilee programme places considerable emphasis on strengthening the Armed Forces’ enduring bond with the people of the Islands. An Educational Assistance Drive, scheduled from September 14 to 18, will be conducted at Government schools across major and remote islands, providing educational support to children.
Multi-speciality medical camps will be held at Baratang on September 19 and Ferrargunj on September 20, offering specialised medical consultation and healthcare services to the local population. An orphanage visit at Ferrargunj on September 20 will also extend assistance and support to children. Sporting events will add a public participation dimension to the celebrations.
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A Silver Jubilee Football Competition will be held at Brichgunj from September 15 to 22, with serving personnel and island residents taking part. The ANC Half Marathon on September 27 will promote fitness, camaraderie and greater interaction between the Armed Forces and the island community. A painting competition for serving personnel and their families will also form part of the celebrations, providing a creative reflection on the Command’s 25-year journey.
The main ceremonial events will be held at Brichgunj Military Station on October 5 and 8. A Wreath Laying Ceremony is scheduled for October 5 to honour personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. This will be followed by a Joint Service Parade and Flypast on October 8.
The CINCAN will release a commemorative First Day Cover marking the Silver Jubilee of the ANC before interacting with the media.
Adding a cultural dimension to the celebrations, the Indian Naval Symphony Orchestra will present special performances at the Dr BR Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT) Auditorium on October 7 and 8.
The Silver Jubilee celebrations will honour the Command’s legacy of service, sacrifice and jointness while reaffirming its commitment to India’s maritime security and to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
