CHENNAI: The Indian Navy’s Naval Symphonic Orchestra enthralled music lovers with a spectacular two-day performance at Kalaivanar Arangam on November 13 and 14 as part of the Navy Week Celebrations 2026.
The concert showcased the rich musical heritage, discipline and precision of the Indian Naval Band, featuring an impressive repertoire of martial tunes, patriotic melodies and symphonic arrangements.
The celebrations also paid a special tribute to late Commodore K.P. Gopal Rao, MVC, VSM, on his birth centenary, which fell on November 13. Born in Chennai on November 13, 1926, Commodore Gopal Rao was honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra for his outstanding contribution as part of the Task Group during Operation Trident, the Indian Navy’s historic attack on Karachi Harbour during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The event on the evening of November 14 was attended by Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, as the chief guest.
The two-day musical extravaganza attracted around 1,900 people, including 200 dignitaries, senior officers of the Armed Forces and civil administration, naval veterans and members of the public. More than 900 schoolchildren and NCC cadets were also among the audience.
Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 every year to commemorate the success of Operation Trident in 1971, when Indian naval forces launched a daring night-time strike on Karachi Harbour, marking a decisive moment in the war.
Through cultural and public outreach programmes organised during Navy Week, the Indian Navy seeks to strengthen its engagement with citizens, promote civil-military camaraderie and familiarise younger generations with the country’s maritime traditions ahead of Navy Day.
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