Kochi, Aug 15 (PTI) The Southern Naval Command here on Thursday celebrated India's 78th Independence Day with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC) Vice Admiral V Srinivas recounting the assistance provided by the navy in the relief efforts in Wayanad after the landslides there.

Vice Admiral Srinivas said that the assistance provided in Wayanad and the various medical evacuations undertaken at Lakshadweep reaffirm the navy's commitment towards continued support and humanitarian assistance, according to a defence statement.

Also Read | RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder Probe: CBI Officers Speak to Murdered Doctor's Family, Interrogate Hospital Officials.

He urged all to rededicate themselves to the security, progress and prosperity of the nation while working towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the statement said.

The FOCINC South paid homage to the bravehearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty by placing a wreath at the SNC memorial and also reviewed the Ceremonial Parade.

Also Read | Yavatmal: Man Arrested in Theft Case Consumes Gutkha, Spits on Court Premises; Judge Cancels His Bail and Sends Him Back to Jail After Seeing His Act on CCTV.

Addressing the parade, Vice Admiral Srinivas highlighted the journey of freedom, and the remarkable progress made on multiple fields overcoming challenges post-independence, the statement said.

He recalled the contribution of the Indian Navy in the global effort to protect and safeguard the shipping lanes in the Western Indian Ocean, spearheading the Government of India's strategic vision of SAGAR, it said.

The FOCINC South also reiterated that training was the important cog in achieving a combat ready, credible, cohesive and future ready force and urged personnel to imbibe safety culture as a key enabler of operations, it said.

He also emphasised the Indian Navy's commitment towards 'Nation First' outlook in achieving the vision of self-sufficiency and Aatmanirbharta.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)