INS Vikrant.

The indigenously made aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant was commissioned and dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister on 02 Sep, in a glittering ceremony at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Here are its vital statistics :-

Displacement    42,800 tons

Length               262.5 mts

Width                 62.5 mts

Max Speed         28 knots

Total Height      18 storeys

Crew                  1,600

Compartments  2,200

Total cable work    2,500 km

Over 700 ladders

Automated kitchen capable of churning out 16,000 chappatis and 6,000 idlis a day

Can handle 30 aircraft

Equipped with a ski-jump for launching aircraft and a set of arrester wires for landing on board - Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR)

Fully functional hospital with a CT scan machine, a first in a warship in India. Two Operation Theatres

76% Indigenous content

The new ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The new Navy Ensign has the national flag on the upper canton; blue octagon encompassing the national emblem sitting atop an anchor.

Anchor depicts steadfastness; it's superimposed on a shield with Navy's motto : Shano Varuna

Octagon represents the eight directions symbolising multi-directional reach and operational capability.

Octagonal shape with twin golden borders draws inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji's seal

5th Change

 

In ensign so far. First ensign of 1947 was changed in 1950. Further changes in 2001, 2004, 2014 and 2022.

A Personal Achievement

The first contract on the carrier's design was drafted and steered by yours truly!

Tailpiece.

Today's my Mom's 6th Remembrance Day by the English calendar. Thoughts about her crowded my mind all through the day.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Washing machinex of the soiled clothes. The maid was down with fever and therefore, couldn't fetch up for work.

The evening chores.