INS Valsura awarded President’s colour

What is the News?

The President has presented the President’s colour to INS Valsura, the Navy’s premier technological training establishment.

Note: The President’s Colour is the highest award bestowed on a military unit in India in recognition of its exceptional services to the nation. 

What is INS Valsura?

Setup in: 1942.

Origin of Name: The name “Valsura” was derived from the combination of two Tamil words, ‘Vaal’ (meaning sword) and ‘Sorrah’ (shark). It was considered appropriate due to the variety of swordfish found off the coast of Saurashtra. Swordfish was also the name of the famous Second World War torpedo-carrying aircraft.

Purpose: It is the Indian Navy’s premier technological training establishment. It trains officers on the operation and maintenance of sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment on board warships.

Located in: Jamnagar, Gujarat.

About the brief history of INS Valsura

During the Second World War, HMIS Valsura was created to enhance the training facilities in the domain of torpedo handling and operations for the Royal Navy. 

The establishment was built on Rozi Island in Jamnagar, donated by the ruler of Nawanagar State Colonel Digvijay Singhji Jamsaheb.

In 1948, there was a proposal to shift the Torpedo School to the Naval Base in Cochin, but the Jamsaheb was keen that Valsura continued where it was and sealed it by donating another 600 acres on the same terms.

The establishment was then commissioned on December 15, 1942 by Maharani Gulab Kunverba Sahiba of Nawanagar. After Independence, HMIS Valsura was renamed as Indian Naval Ship Valsura on July 1, 1950.

Source: This post is based on the article “INS Valsura awarded President’s colour” published in The Hindu on 25th March 2022.