‘Naman’ Rally Marks India’s 100th Indigenous Warship

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on Thursday flagged off the ‘Naman’ Car Rally, a national outreach by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB). The rally commemorates the commissioning of INS Udaygiri, India’s 100th indigenously designed warship.

The rally began on October 29 from Lothal, Gujarat, the site of the world’s first dockyard. It is passing through key shipbuilding centres, including Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam, and will conclude in Kolkata on November 17.

Rear Admiral R.S. Dhaliwal, NM, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, flagged off the final leg at HSL. He was joined by Rear Admiral Sujit Bari, Director General, WDB, Cmde Rakesh Prasad (Retd), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), senior Navy officials, HSL executives, industry partners, and students from the Indian Maritime University.

Speaking at the event, Rear Admiral Dhaliwal said the rally reflects India’s growing maritime capabilities and technological self-reliance. He praised the WDB for designing over 100 warships, including destroyers, frigates, survey vessels, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. He also highlighted HSL’s role in shipbuilding, major refits, and complex submarine overhauls, noting its recent revival and alignment with the national vision of Aatmanirbharta.

Cmde Rakesh Prasad described ‘Naman’ as a “Voyage of Pride,” linking India’s maritime heritage with modern shipbuilding achievements. He added that the rally honours naval designers, engineers, and shipyard personnel whose efforts have made India’s warship milestones possible.

The rally continues eastward, symbolising national pride, maritime heritage, and India’s pursuit of innovation and excellence.