Indian Coast Guard Day is observed on 1st February every year to recognize the important role of the organization in safeguarding the country’s interests in the maritime domain. In 2023, India will celebrate the 47th anniversary of the Indian Coast Guard Day. The day is dedicated to highlighting the history, significance, and celebrations of the Indian Coast Guard.
Indian Coast Guard day date 2023
▪ Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Day is observed on 1 February every year.
▪ In 2023, India will celebrate the 47th Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Day.
▪ Currently Indian Coast Guard is the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world.
▪ It Played an important role in securing Indian coasts and enforcing regulations in India’s maritime zones.
Indian Coast Guard Day History
▪ The Indian Coast Guard was established on February 1, 1977, after the Union Cabinet approved its creation.
▪ Two frigates and five patrol boats were transferred from the Indian Navy to form the initial fleet.
▪ The Coast Guard was officially launched by Prime Minister Morarji Desai on August 19, 1978, with a fleet of seven ships for monitoring Indian waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Indian Coast Guard Day 2023 Theme
▪ The theme for Indian Coast Guard Day 2023 has yet to be announced. On Coast Guard vessels, there is a mix of officers and sailors from various branches, organized into three teams who work in shifts for 4 hours twice daily when the ship is at sea.
Indian Coast Guard Day 2023 Significance
▪ The Indian Coast Guard is crucial for protecting the country’s coasts and combating illegal activities.
▪ To ensure the best personnel for the Coast Guard, the selection process is rigorous, starting from the screening stage. Only the most qualified candidates are admitted into the service.
▪ The blue color of the Coast Guard flag represents a ship on government duty, with the national flag in the top left corner and the Coast Guard emblem in the flag’s fly.
▪The Coast Guard flag was first raised onboard the Indian Coast Guard Ship Kuthar on August 19, 1978, during the inaugural ceremony of the Indian Coast Guard in Mumbai (formerly Bombay).
▪ Serving in the Indian Coast Guard is a fulfilling and exciting experience. Coast Guard personnel are tasked with saving lives at sea, aiding distressed fishermen, stopping poachers, and preserving marine life.
▪ With over 20,000 personnel, 157+ ships, and 62 aircraft, the Coast Guard is constantly engaged in missions.
▪ The Coast Guard works with the Indian Navy, Customs Department, and state and local police forces.
▪ We should acknowledge and appreciate their tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of our country and citizens.
About Indian Coast Guard
What is the motto of the Indian Coast Guard?
▪ The motto of the Indian Coast Guard is वयम रक्षामः” (Vayam Rakshamah), in Sanskrit, it means “We Protect”.
Formation Year of Indian Coast Guard
▪ The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Parliament of India’s Coast Guard Act, 1978.
The mission of the Indian Coast Guard
▪ The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) plays a critical role in protecting India’s maritime borders and preventing smuggling through its area of responsibility.
▪ In the past year alone, the ICG has confiscated drugs and contraband worth around Rs 4,000 crore, and since its establishment, it has seized a total of Rs 12,000 crore worth of illicit goods.
▪ The ICG’s primary responsibilities include offshore security, marine safety, and coastal security, as well as safeguarding India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Leadership and organization
▪ The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is led by the Director-General (DG ICG) at the Coast Guard Headquarters (CGHQ) in New Delhi.
▪ The DG ICG is supported by four Deputy Director-Generals of the rank of Inspector-General and other senior officers who head different staff divisions.
▪ The Current Director-General of the ICG is Virender Singh Pathania.
▪ Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard is equivalent to the Vice Admiral of the Indian Navy.
Indian Coast Guard Day 2023 – Maritime Zones of India
▪ For efficient management, India’s Maritime Zones are divided into 5 Coast Guard Regions, each under the command of an Inspector General. Here’s a table of the 2023 Indian Coast Guard Regions and their respective headquarters.
| Sl.No | Indian Coast Guard Regions | Regional Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North-West | Gandhinagar |
| 2 | West | Mumbai |
| 3 | East | Chennai |
| 4 | North-East | Kolkata |
| 5 | Andaman & Nicobar | Port Blair |
President’s Tatrakshak Medal
▪ The President’s Tatrakshak Medal is an Indian military honor given for exceptional service and selfless dedication in the Indian Coast Guard.
▪ The President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) is awarded by the President of India, while the Tatrakshak Medal (TM) is awarded by the Defense Minister of India on Independence Day and Republic Day.
▪ The medal has been awarded to the Indian Armed Forces since January 26, 1990, and the most recent awards were given on Republic Day 2023.
▪ PTM and TM are the two highest honors bestowed upon members of the Indian Coast Guard.
▪ The medals were established on June 7, 1989, to recognize and encourage selfless devotion among Coast Guard personnel.
Recent Tatrakshak Medals
▪ On the occasion of 74th Republic Day 2023, the President has bestowed the President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) upon the following Indian Coast Guard personnel in recognition of their conspicuous bravery, exceptional devotion to duty, and distinguished/meritorious service.
President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service)
- IG Anand Prakash Badola
Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry)
- ComdtDurgesh Chandra Tiwari
- Rishi
- Mohit Kumar Yadav
Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service)
- DIG HimanshuNautiyal
- Sant Lal
Indian Coast Guard Day Quotes 2023
▪ “Our men and women in uniform, are a force for good throughout the world, and that is nothing to apologize for”- Indian Coast Guard.
▪ “The Coast Guard serves with distinction in all types of weather, in peace and in war, and in every kind of situation that you can imagine.”
▪ “Regulations say we have to go out. They say nothing about coming back.”
▪ “The Coast Guard protects and defends India on the seas. They are always ready to defend our country and protect our citizens.”
▪ “The Coast Guard is an elite group of warriors, both military and civilian, who stand watch on the front lines of freedom.”
▪ “Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what’s said and what’s done.”- Seamus Heaney
▪ “The men and women of the Coast Guard stand watch over our nation’s shores, safeguarding lives and property, and protecting the sea lanes that are so critical to our economy.”
▪ “We do this job because every once in a while someone is out there without hope, desperately praying for their life, and we get to be the answer”- Indian Coast Guard.
▪ “The Coast Guard has a proud history and a noble mission: safeguarding our nation’s maritime interests, protecting our environment, and saving lives.”
▪ “We do this job because every once in a while someone is out there without hope, desperately praying for their life, and we get to be the answer.” – Coast Guard (U.S.)
▪ “The Coast Guard has long been known as the armed services that gets more done for less.” – Howard Coble
Conclusion
The Indian Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting India’s coastal and maritime interests. On Indian Coast Guard Day, we recognize the sacrifices and contributions of the ICG in safeguarding our country’s vast coastline and exclusive economic zone. It is important for all citizens to support the Indian Coast Guard and to understand the importance of coastal and maritime security in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: 1st February (Every Year)
Answer: The motto of the Indian Coast Guard is “VAYAM RAKSHAMAH (We Protect)”
Answer: 7516.60 kilometers
Answer: The 47th Indian Coast Guard Day is being celebrated this year to honor the organizations responsible for maritime security and national needs across the globe, including India.
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