Admiral R. Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff, along with Kala Hari Kumar, President of the Naval Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA), undertook a significant three-day journey to the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam from March 21 to March 23, as per the Ministry of Defence.

During the visit, Admiral R. Hari Kumar engaged in various activities within the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam. These activities included observing naval operations at sea during the Chief of Naval Staff's Day at Sea. He interacted with officers and sailors aboard ships and aircraft of the Eastern Naval Command, as stated in a Ministry of Defence release.

Moreover, as part of his farewell visit, Admiral R. Hari Kumar had candid discussions with naval officers and sailors of the ENC at the Samudrika Auditorium. This unique event, "Connect with CNS," aimed to understand challenges and issues at the grassroots level. Prior to that, he also interacted with Defence Civilian personnel at the Meghadri Auditorium in Naval Dockyard.

As part of the visit, Admiral R. Hari Kumar inaugurated the 'Veeram' accommodation block, which can house 492 Defence Security Corps (DSC) personnel at Naushakti Nagar, Visakhapatnam, on March 21, 2024.

Admiral R. Hari Kumar also awarded on-the-spot unit citations to INS Sumitra for its successful conduct of anti-piracy operations in the Central Arabian Sea. The ship apprehended 11 Somali pirates and rescued 17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani nationals from hijacked fishing vessels Iman and Al Naeemi. The operations were swiftly carried out using the ship's integral firepower, an indigenous ALH helicopter, and the Indian Navy's special operations team.

During the visit, Admiral R. Hari Kumar presided over the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NGIF/INBA and the Navy Foundation. These meetings facilitated fruitful discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the welfare and motivation of naval personnel.

As the President of the Navy Foundation, the CNS also chaired the 31st AGM and GCM for Navy Foundation at Visakhapatnam on March 21.

The event was coordinated by Naval Headquarters/ DESA. Officers from NHQ, HQENC, and PCDA attended and interacted with veterans. PCDA (P) Prayagraj addressed concerns regarding e-PPOs and SPARSH. The pension advisory desk provided consultation and support to all personnel.

During the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff reassured attendees that all concerns of the veterans' community would be addressed promptly. In addition to Admiral R. Hari Kumar's visit, an event called Samanvay, a formal discussion between office-bearers/ representatives of Navy Foundation (NF) Chapters and Veteran Sailors Forum (VSF) Charters, was held on March 22, 2024, at the Swarnajyoti Conference Hall in Visakhapatnam under the Chairmanship of CPS.

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