Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, Concludes Farewell Visit to Southern Naval Command

Kochi: Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), accompanied by Kala Hari Kumar, President of Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA), concluded a farewell visit to the Southern Naval Command (SNC) in Kochi from April 3rd to April 6th, 2024. During the visit, Admiral Kumar engaged with officers and sailors of SNC through the ‘Connect with CNS’ forum at the Sagarika auditorium, Naval Base, Kochi.

The interactive session addressed various contemporary issues, including operations, training, human resource development, digitization, and other transformation initiatives of the Indian Navy. Concerns raised by personnel were diligently addressed, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Additionally, Kala Hari Kumar inaugurated a new NWWA Kendra, encompassing office space, a conference hall, and welfare facilities like classrooms and yoga/wellness rooms under one roof. This initiative aims to enhance welfare support for naval personnel and their families.

As part of the visit, CNS flagged off the ‘SAMPARK 3.0’ initiative, an ECHS outreach program, which will see a team comprising officers and sailors of NHQ and SNC touring different polyclinics in Kerala over 8 days. The program aims to interact with veterans and veernaris at remote locations, ensuring their well-being and addressing their concerns.

During his visit to INS Dronacharya, his alma mater, Admiral Kumar interacted with staff and trainees, reminiscing about his tenure as the Training Commander from 1997 to 1999. He also participated in the ‘Drona Gaan’, further strengthening his bond with the institution.

At HQ Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), where he served as the 16th FOST from 2013 to 2014, Admiral Kumar emphasized the importance of a ‘SHIPS FIRST’ approach and provided professional guidance to the HQST team.

In a significant gesture, CNS inaugurated the ‘Kulwant Singh’ block, a new married accommodation for Defence Security Corps (DSC) personnel. Named in memory of LNK Kulwant Singh SM (Posthumous), the block comprises 74 modern dwelling units, symbolizing the Indian Navy’s commitment to personnel welfare.