Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 31 October 2025
The Police Marine Force (PMF) of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on Friday, marking the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. The observance, held under the theme “Unity in Diversity,” emphasized the importance of national integration and collective responsibility.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, played a historic role in integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. His vision and resolve laid the foundation for a united and strong India, inspiring generations to uphold unity, discipline, and national service.
The programme commenced with the Rashtriya Ekta Pledge, reaffirming the personnel’s commitment to safeguarding the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.
A key highlight of the celebration was a remarkable underwater tribute by a five-member diving team of the PMF, led by Ms. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, Superintendent of Police (PMF). The divers descended to a depth of around 12 metres at North Bay to unfurl the National Flag beneath the sea — a symbolic gesture of unity, patriotism, and dedication to duty. A banner titled “Sardar @150” was also displayed underwater to honour Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy.
The Police Marine Force, elite maritime unit of the A&N Police, is tasked with protecting the Islands’ coastline and territorial waters. Its units, deployed from East Island in the north to Campbell Bay in the south, conduct coastal surveillance, maritime law enforcement, anti-poaching operations, and search and rescue missions. The PMF Diving Squad, a specialized team, supports underwater security, recovery, and humanitarian operations.
The unique underwater observance reflected the Marine Police’s unwavering spirit of service, discipline, and commitment to national unity and maritime security across the Islands.
