Chandigarh, December 8:
In a landmark event completing a tri-services military display, a scaled-down model of the Indian Navy’s premier Kolkata-Class Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kochi (D64), was inaugurated at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI). The model, presented by the Indian Navy on Navy Day 2025, was unveiled by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, AVSM, NM, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.
With the installation of this ship model, the MRSAFPI campus now hosts major equipment representations from all three armed services, creating a comprehensive environment to inspire its young cadets. The Institute has a proud record of 22 of its ex-cadets serving as commissioned officers in the Indian Navy, including two from the most recent Passing Out Parade at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.
Addressing the cadets of MRSAFPI and students of Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan highlighted the maritime legacy of Punjab, inspiring the youth from the landlocked state by citing examples like former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh. He elaborated on the Indian Navy’s critical role in national defence, safeguarding maritime interests, and projecting India’s stature globally.
Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the interaction with Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan and the exposure to real-life military equipment will help cadets develop essential skills, such as leadership, teamwork and problem-solving. The event would instil a sense of discipline, patriotism and service among the cadets, preparing them for challenging careers in the defence services and beyond. He reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to support the State’s youth who aspire to join Armed Forces by ensuring they receive the necessary resources and opportunities to fulfill their dreams.
Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM (Retd), Director of MRSAFPI, expressed profound gratitude to the Vice Chief of Naval Staff for the generous gift. He affirmed the Institute’s commitment to nurturing more officers for the Indian Navy who would bring honour to the nation, the state, and the Indian Navy.
