New Delhi/Visakhapatnam: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on Thursday hosted the ceremonial flag-off for the final leg of the ‘Naman’ Car Rally, a nationwide outreach initiative celebrating the commissioning of the Indian Navy’s 100th indigenously designed warship, INS Udaygiri. The rally, undertaken by officers of the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), is a tribute to India’s legacy of naval engineering and its growing maritime self-reliance.
Rally Celebrates India’s Naval Heritage and Modern Shipbuilding Strength
The ‘Naman’ rally was launched on October 29 from Lothal, Gujarat, the site of the world’s earliest known dockyard and a symbol of India’s ancient maritime prowess. Over its nationwide journey, the rally covered prominent shipbuilding hubs such as Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam, before proceeding toward its final destination, Kolkata, where it will culminate on November 17.
At HSL, the concluding segment was flagged off by Rear Admiral RS Dhaliwal, NM, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard (Visakhapatnam). Senior dignitaries in attendance included Rear Admiral Sujit Bari, Director General, Warship Design Bureau; Cmde Rakesh Prasad (Retd), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel), HSL; senior naval officers; HSL leadership; and representatives from academia and industry. Students from the Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam, also joined the event.
‘Naman’ Reflects India’s Growing Maritime Capabilities
Speaking at the ceremony, Rear Admiral Dhaliwal highlighted that the ‘Naman’ rally is symbolic of India’s expanding maritime power and its remarkable progress in indigenous warship design and shipbuilding. He praised the Warship Design Bureau for designing over 100 frontline vessels, including destroyers, frigates, survey ships, and the indigenously designed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
He also acknowledged HSL’s vital contributions to the Indian Navy—particularly in warship construction, comprehensive refits, and specialized submarine refits—applauding the shipyard’s operational resurgence and alignment with India’s mission of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
HSL Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening India’s Maritime Defence
In his address, Cmde Rakesh Prasad (Retd) lauded the rally as a “Voyage of Pride” that bridges India’s ancient maritime heritage with its cutting-edge naval achievements. He emphasized that ‘Naman’ honours the collective contributions of naval architects, engineers, shipyard workers, and defence institutions who have shaped India’s modern naval capabilities.
He reiterated HSL’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Indian Navy’s shipbuilding programs, advancing indigenous technologies, and strengthening the nation’s maritime defence ecosystem.
About Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), located in Visakhapatnam, is India’s oldest shipyard and a key defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence. Established in 1941, HSL specialises in shipbuilding, ship repair, major refits, and complex submarine overhauls. With decades of maritime engineering expertise, the shipyard plays a crucial role in supporting the Indian Navy’s fleet requirements and advancing the nation’s vision of Aatmanirbharta in defence.
