The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Goa): On March 05, 2024, the Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, unveiled the new Administrative & Training building at the Naval War College (NWC) in Goa, symbolizing a leap forward in India’s naval education and training. Named ‘Chola’ after the ancient maritime empire, this modern facility reflects the Indian Navy’s growing prowess and India’s rich maritime heritage.
During the inauguration, Shri Rajnath Singh praised the Navy for its initiative in creating a world-class training infrastructure, which stands as a testament to India’s significant position among global maritime powers. He emphasized that the Chola Bhawan is not just a building but a beacon of the Navy’s ambitions and the nation’s celebrated maritime history. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of breaking free from the vestiges of colonial mindset and embracing India’s glorious past.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the strategic shift under the Prime Minister’s leadership towards addressing maritime as well as terrestrial threats, stressing the importance of maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India, under these renewed efforts, has emerged as a leading security partner and first responder in the IOR, playing a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability and ensuring no hegemonic powers dominate the area.
Shri Rajnath Singh also underlined India’s commitment to fostering peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific, ensuring the autonomy and sovereignty of countries in the Indian Ocean. He pointed out that India’s growing influence serves to bolster democracy, the rule of law, and collective progress, not to seek dominance.
The inauguration of the Chola building is part of India’s broader efforts to enhance naval capabilities and ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative is backed by a robust naval industrial base, reflecting India’s approach to use its growing power for creating an environment of peace rather than asserting dominance.
Furthermore, the Raksha Mantri inaugurated two major piers in Naval Base, Karwar, as part of Project Seabird, aimed at bolstering India’s naval infrastructure and enhancing its strategic presence on the western coast. He highlighted that the project not only strengthens the Navy but also boosts the local economy by creating thousands of jobs and sourcing over 90% of materials domestically, in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasized the evolving security challenges in the maritime domain and the crucial role of higher military education in addressing these challenges. He expressed confidence that the new Chola building will act as a hub for maritime learning, benefiting not only Indian forces but also maritime neighbors.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by prominent dignitaries, including Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Tourism & Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Shripad Naik, marks a significant milestone for the Naval War College and India’s maritime aspirations.