Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 31: The Police Marine Force (PMF) of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on 31st October 2025, commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. The observance, held under the theme “Unity in Diversity”, highlighted the importance of national integration and collective responsibility.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, played a historic role in integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. His vision and resolve laid the foundation for a united and strong India, inspiring generations to uphold unity, discipline, and national service.
The event began with the Rashtriya Ekta Pledge, reaffirming the personnel’s commitment to the unity and security of the Nation.
The Police Marine Force, an elite maritime policing unit of the Andaman & Nicobar Police, is entrusted with safeguarding the coastline and territorial waters of the Islands. PMF units are deployed across Marine Police Stations and Marine Police Operation Centres (MPOCs) — from East Island in the North to Campbell Bay in the South — conducting coastal surveillance, maritime law enforcement, anti-poaching, and search and rescue operations. The PMF Diving Squad is a specialized team trained for underwater search, recovery, and inspection tasks, supporting both security and humanitarian missions.
As a special highlight, a five-member Diving Team of PMF unit led by Smt Niharika Bhatt, IPS Supdt. Of Police (PMF) carried out an underwater expedition at North Bay, descending to a depth of about 12 metres to unfurl the National Flag beneath the sea — a powerful tribute symbolizing unity, patriotism, and dedication to duty. A banner titled “Sardar @150” was also displayed underwater in honour of Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy.
The event reflected the Marine Police’s unwavering spirit of service, discipline, and commitment to national unity and maritime security across the Islands.
Smti. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, SP, PMF proudly unfurls the National Flag beneath the sea at North Bay, Andaman Islands.