The Police Marine Force of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands marked Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31 with a remarkable underwater tribute that celebrated India’s unity and maritime spirit. The event, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, reflected the theme “Unity in Diversity” and highlighted the enduring values of integration, discipline, and national service that Patel stood for.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often hailed as the “Iron Man of India,” was instrumental in uniting over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. His vision of a cohesive and resilient nation continues to inspire generations. The Police Marine Force (PMF) dedicated its observance of the day to this legacy, underscoring its own role in upholding national security and unity across India’s maritime frontiers.
The event began with the Rashtriya Ekta Pledge, reaffirming the personnel’s collective commitment to the integrity and security of the nation. Officers and staff of the PMF participated in the ceremony across Marine Police Stations and Marine Police Operation Centres (MPOCs) that stretch from East Island in the north to Campbell Bay in the south.
The Police Marine Force serves as an elite maritime policing unit under the Andaman & Nicobar Police. It is tasked with ensuring security along the coastline and territorial waters of the archipelago. The unit plays a critical role in coastal surveillance, anti-poaching operations, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue missions. Its Diving Squad, a specialized team trained in underwater recovery and inspection, also supports both security operations and humanitarian efforts.
A highlight of this year’s observance was a unique underwater expedition carried out by a five-member diving team led by Superintendent of Police (PMF) Niharika Bhatt. The team descended to a depth of around 12 metres at North Bay, where they unfurled the National Flag beneath the sea in an extraordinary display of devotion and national pride. Alongside the tricolour, a banner reading “Sardar @150” was also displayed underwater, honouring Sardar Patel’s contributions to national unity.
The underwater tribute symbolized the Marine Force’s blend of discipline, courage, and service, values closely aligned with the spirit of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The team’s effort conveyed the message that national unity transcends boundaries, reaching even the depths of the ocean.
The act of unfurling the flag underwater also served as a reminder of the maritime dimension of India’s security and sovereignty. For the PMF, which operates across a chain of strategically vital islands, the occasion reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and upholding the principles of integrity and unity that underpin the Indian Union.
Personnel across other units of the Marine Force simultaneously observed the day through pledge-taking ceremonies and awareness activities emphasizing cooperation, discipline, and service to the nation. The observance across multiple island locations reflected the organization’s cohesiveness and its deep connection to the ideals of national integration.
The event concluded with the symbolic underwater salute at North Bay, a vivid representation of the Marine Force’s dedication to duty, unity, and patriotism. The visual of the tricolour fluttering beneath the waves stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of service that guides the Andaman & Nicobar Police Marine Force.
By merging national commemoration with maritime tradition, the Police Marine Force brought Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to life in a distinctly island way — demonstrating that the ideals of unity, courage, and commitment continue to thrive both on land and beneath the sea.
