India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Exclusive collection of Dr.M.K.Sudhakar, Chennai

PRESIDENT’S REVIEW OF THE FLEET

Historically, a fleet review is an assembly of ships at a predesignated place for the purpose of displaying loyalty and allegiance to the sovereign and the state without any belligerent intentions.

The sovereign, by reviewing the ships, reaffirms his faith in the fleet and its ability to defend the nation’s maritime interest.

The President of India reviews the Indian Naval Fleet once during his tenure in his capacity as the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces.

The President's Fleet Review (PFR) is a symbolic display of a nation's maritime adroitness, capabilities, and preparedness.

PFR which is second only to the Republic Day parade in terms of significance is done with the aim of assuring the country the high morale and discipline of Indian Navy for any battle at sea.

PFR showcases Indian Navy’s three dimensional display of operational surface warships, subsurface and airborne assets in its company with the ethos of steadfastness and devotion to the nation.

The President of India after a 21 gun salute embarks on the Presidential Yacht which is distinguished by the President’s Standard on the flag mast and the Ashoka emblem on the side.

The Presidential Yacht cruises and reviews all the columns of ships which are dressed in complete regalia and anchored in lanes. The crew of each ship accord the ceremonial salute with the traditional 'Three Jais', to the President as he passes by one by one.

A mobile column of warships and submarines steam pasts the Presidential Yacht along with display of spectacular exercises on search and rescue, humanitarian, and disaster relief operations.

A fly past salute by helicopters and aircraft of the Indian Naval Air Arm marks the grand finale.

The President returns to base with a ceremonial piping of the side, followed by a 21 gun salute on completion of the review.

The participating ships are enlisted from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Union Ministry of Earth Sciences and Shipping Corporation of India.

The First PFR fleet review was conducted in 1953 during the tenure of Dr Rajendra Prasad and 12 reviews have been conducted as on date.

International Fleet Reviews (IFR) have been conducted in 2001 at Mumbai and 2016 at Visakhapatnam

Department of Posts has issued commemorative postage stamps on President's Fleet Review since 1984 in appreciation of the contribution of Indian Navy in protecting the nation in amidst complex maritime environment.

1984 PRESIDENT’S REVIEW OF THE FLEET

President: Giani Zail Singh | Date: February 12, 1984 | Venue: Bombay, Maharashtra

1989 PRESIDENT’S REVIEW OF THE FLEET

President: R. Venkatraman | Date: February 15, 1989 | Venue: Bombay, Maharashtra

2001 PRESIDENT’S REVIEW OF THE FLEET

President: K. R. Narayanan | Date: February 18, 2001 | Venue: Mumbai, Maharashtra