Port Blair, Dec. 13: Each year the Navy sets aide a week centered around Navy Day, 4th of December to reach out and inform the local population of their Navy.

To set the events rolling, naval ships and Naval Maritime Museum Samudrika were open for school children on 1st Dec. A total of 422 children and 15 teachers from various institutions visited the ships. The children were briefed about the ships, weapons fitted and operations carried out. As a goodwill gesture to local populace and tourists, Ross Island was thrown open to visitors. Around 1000 visitors benefited and were familiarised with the rich history, heritage and the natural beauty of the island.

The Indian Navy declared 2012 as the “Year of Ex Servicemen”. To honour Ex-Servicemen (ESM) who have served with pride and given their best years to the nation, an ESM Mela and Pension Adalat was organised on 8th  Dec 12 at Dweepika Auditorium. It was attended by about 120 ESM, their families and Widows from the Islands. In the “Year of Ex Servicemen” the formation of “Naval Regimental System” under a ‘Command Regimental System officer’ aims to strengthen the Organisation to manage ESM affairs. The ESMs, widows of ESMs and their family members made full use of the “ESM Mela and Pension Adalat” towards  resolving their grievances by interfacing with representatives from Naval Headquarters/ Directorate of Ex -Servicemen Affairs, New Delhi, Bureau of Sailors, Mumbai, SBI Main Branch, Port Blair, ECHS, Army , Naval  and Airforce components. 

A multispecialty cancer screening and preventive medical camp was organised by INHS Dhanvantari for the local population on 9th Dec 12. The camp was inaugurated by Smt Soni Devi, a senior citizen from Minnie Bay area. Screening facilities for Breast, Gynaecological, Oral ENT and Abdominal cancer with facilities for USG examination and other screening tests were arranged during the camp at INHS. Such camps help in early detection of cancers of Breast, Cervix, prostrate, etc. which account for a large number of fatal cancers in Indian population and can be prevented by timely detection and appropriate treatment.   

A Band Concert by the naval band was held at 5.30 pm at Marina Park on 9th Dec. The musical extravaganza consisted of exhilarating performances by the Naval Band. In addition to enthralling variety of martial music, the show also had popular Indian and Western numbers ensuring the audience had a melodious evening. The overwhelming response to the event was a huge motivation during the outreach programmes of the Navy week.