Excitement filled the air at Kolkata's Kidderpore Dock on Friday morning as the Indian Navy opened two of its frontline warships to the public. School children in uniform, marine engineering students, and curious families formed long queues, eager to step aboard the impressive naval vessels.
A Glimpse Into Naval Life
From the moment the gangway dropped, groups of excited students streamed aboard the warships, clutching notebooks and phones. They were greeted by naval personnel who guided them through narrow corridors, showing them the bridge, living quarters, and weapon stations. The officers patiently answered a barrage of questions from the curious visitors.
Class VII student Ayushman Tiwari expressed his amazement, saying it felt like entering a whole new world. "We saw where the officers sleep and how the sailors work. The officers also explained how the missiles are fired and the place where army helicopters land on the deck," he added enthusiastically.
Educational Experience for Young Minds
Parents and teachers present at the event emphasized the practical learning value of such visits. Sheikh Mohammed Salehin, one of the teachers accompanying students, noted that while children read about defence forces in textbooks, seeing a ship up close provides a completely different understanding.
The crew made special efforts to explain complex naval operations in simple language that young minds could grasp easily. For many visitors, the weapons displayed on deck became the highlight of their visit. Children gathered around the 7.62 Negav LMG and 9mm carbine submachine guns, peering curiously at the missile launchers that protect our seas.
Building Maritime Awareness
Commander Ronie Chowpoo, the commanding officer of INS Khanjar, explained that the public display aimed to build awareness and inspire young visitors. "This is an opportunity for citizens to understand how our ships operate and what our officers do at sea," he stated.
The two ships, INS Khanjar and INS Kora, are guided-missile corvettes of the Eastern Naval Command deployed in the Bay of Bengal. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, these 90-metre-plus warships represent the technological advancement of India's naval capabilities.
Inside the ships, visitors showed equal interest in the compact mess areas, bunks, and assortment of safety gear. The vessels are equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, anti-aircraft guns, AK-176 and AK-630 systems, advanced surveillance sensors, and modern fire-control radars.
The warships will remain open for public viewing at Kidderpore Dock Berth 11 (Gate No. 3) till Sunday, as part of the Navy Week celebrations leading to Navy Day on December 4.
