Kendrapada has become a focal point of remembrance as India commemorates its 53rd Navy Day with tales of valor and heroism from the 1971 war. Sanatan Sahu, a 75-year-old veteran and a living testament to the bravery displayed during this critical period, shared his poignant recollections of Operation Trident. This operation, carried out on December 4, 1971, played a pivotal role in altering the landscape of naval warfare in South Asia and inflicted a devastating blow on Pakistani naval capabilities.
Sahu, a former signalman aboard INS Kiltan, recalls the operation with vivid detail and nostalgia, as he describes the night it unfolded. “We left Bombay harbour under the cover of darkness. By 3 a.m., we were positioned near Karachi port, ready to deliver what would become one of India’s most decisive naval strikes,” he reminisced. The operation was launched as a direct response to Pakistan’s air strikes on Indian airfields in Punjab, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
The aftermath of the operation was extraordinary, with Sahu recalling, “Karachi burned for seven days. We destroyed their minesweepers, destroyers, and ammunition cargo vessels. The fuel storage tanks went up in flames—we watched it all from our ship’s deck.” With Commander B B Yadav at the helm, Operation Trident not only showcased India’s increasing naval prowess but also established a new precedent in maritime warfare. The resounding success of this mission ultimately led to the establishment of Navy Day on December 4, a date commemorating India’s naval achievements.
Sahu, who devoted two decades of his life to the Indian Navy from 1967 to 1987, considers this operation the crowning achievement of his service. After hanging up his uniform, he transitioned to a career with Syndicate Bank until 2009. Today, Sahu lives in Madhapur village with his family, who hold him in high regard for his contributions as a wartime hero. “All my children are proud of my status as a war hero,” he stated, underscoring the personal impact of his service on his family and community.
Despite his recognition, Sahu expressed concern over the untold stories of many veterans who served alongside him. He believes their sacrifices are often overlooked and fading from collective memory. “Many of my fellow veterans’ stories remain untold,” he lamented, advocating for greater acknowledgment of their contributions to the nation.
Reflecting on the broader implications of Operation Trident and the subsequent war, Sahu emphasized the historical significance of the liberation of Bangladesh. This event not only reshaped the political landscape of the region but also posed a direct challenge to the two-nation theory that underpinned the creation of Pakistan in 1947. The conflict concluded with Pakistan’s surrender on December 16, 1971, a momentous occasion whose repercussions continue to influence South Asian geopolitics today.
As Kendrapada joins in honoring the legacy of Navy Day, the memories shared by veterans like Sanatan Sahu serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the lessons learned through the crucible of war, ensuring that the tales of valor are neither forgotten nor diminished with time.
