The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is celebrated its 39th Anniversary on February 1, 2016. With a modest beginning of just seven ships in 1978 the service has grown into a formidable force with 119 ships, 62 aircraft and 42 stations. By the turn of present decade, the Coast Guard is likely to have an inventory of 150 ships and 100 aircraft.

As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world the Indian Coast Guard has played a significant role in securing the Indian coasts and enforcing the regulations within the maritime zones of India. True to its motto ‘Vayam Rakshamah’ meaning We Protect, the service has to its credit of saving 6,929 lives and apprehending 13,000 miscreants since inception. Keeping a hawk’s vigil on the Indian Coast, the service has provided a robust and impregnable coastal security mechanism which has led to seizure of contraband worth Rs. 600 crore since last one year.

In consonance with the government policy of empowering women the ICG has employed lady officers in combat with the successful all women Dornier flight. Soon they will also be inducted in afloat platform that is ACV (Air Cushion Vehicle), for which they are presently undergoing training.

The President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister in their message congratulated the Indian Coast Guard on completion of 39 glorious years of service to nation and appreciated the pivotal role played by the service in ensuring the national interests in the maritime zones.

The traditional CG Reception ceremony held on the eve of Coast Guard Day was graced by the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and other armed forces also graced the occasion.