A Father's Pride: Son Leads Navy on R-Day
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Synopsis
In Kolkata, Lt Cdr Saahil Ahluwalia led the Indian Navy's contingent during the Republic Day Parade, a moment that mirrored his father's experience 34 years prior. Commodore Ravi Ahluwalia watched with pride as his son showcased the dedication and teamwork of the naval forces.
Key Takeaways
- Father-son legacy in the Indian Navy.
- Lt Cdr Ahluwalia leads the Navy's marching contingent.
- Participation in Samudra Setu operations.
- Teamwork and discipline highlighted.
- Impressive international engagements.
Kolkata, Jan 26 (NationPress) As Lt Cdr Saahil Ahluwalia took charge of the Indian Navy's marching contingent on Kartavya Path this Sunday, a beaming father observed with pride. Thirty-four years earlier, Commodore Ravi Ahluwalia, IN (Retd), had similarly led the Navy's contingent during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, back when the avenue was named Rajpath.
"Watching my son lead the disciplined men and women of the Indian Navy during this distinguished occasion was truly thrilling. These young individuals have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly, and I understand the challenges they face. I commend all of them for their exceptional performance," Cmde Ahluwalia (Retd) expressed.
Lt Cdr Ahluwalia serves as a gunnery officer aboard the INS Mysore, a guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy currently stationed under the Eastern Naval Command.
As a second-generation naval officer and a specialist in gunnery and missile warfare, he has previously served on various frontline warships such as the INS Teg, INS Kirch, INS Tabar, and INS Kolkata.
Commissioned just over eight years ago, he has participated in regular operational deployments, anti-piracy missions, and was involved in the Samudra Setu operations during the pandemic, which facilitated the evacuation of Indian nationals from abroad.
During his deployments, Lt Cdr Ahluwalia has travelled to 27 countries and engaged in exercises with numerous allied foreign navies.
"It was an honor to follow in my father's footsteps. He has always been my guiding light. My team worked tirelessly for months to deliver an outstanding presentation, and we succeeded. I am grateful to all my team members, including those working behind the scenes, for this remarkable achievement. Our success was rooted in discipline and teamwork. The naval band also performed excellently. We are optimistic about being recognized as the best marching contingent of the Parade," Lt Cdr Ahluwalia stated.
Cmde Ahluwalia (Retd), who previously served as the Naval Officer-in-Charge of West Bengal, mentioned that his son joined the Indian Naval Academy in 2012, where he was honored as the best sportsman of his course. He was also selected twice to serve as the Guard Officer for the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President of India, the proud father highlighted.
