The Review of the Indian Naval Fleet by the President of India, Shri R Venkataraman, off the Gateway of India at Bombay on 15th February 1989 is the 7th Naval Review since. Independence. This great honour, being done to the 'Silent Service' by the Head of the State follows a time-honoured tradition uniquely naval, historical and ceremonial.

The earliest known record of Naval Reviews is that of the British Fleet by King Edward III, which goes back to the year 1415. In those days, such Reviews were held primarily for the Head of the State to satisfy him on the operational readiness of his ships to wage war at sea. Time gradually changed this concept from solely operational to impressive ceremonial with a view to highlight the importance of such historical landmarks.

The President of India in his capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, usually reviews the Indian Fleet once during his tenure as Head of the Republic. The first such Review was by our first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 10 October 1953.

This Review is a clear indicator of the achievements in self-reliance in shipbuilding industry - particularly so for the warships. We have come a long way from the total foreign acquisitions of the sixties to self-reliance in conceiving, designing and building sophisticated warships and submarines in. the eighties.

The Review 89 puts on display an impressive array of ships, aircrafts and submarines which signify the growth of the Indian Navy from a mere fledgling into a mature and capable three-dimensional fighting force, ready to meet any challenge ahead.

Description of Designs:

The stamp depicts a naval task force heading towards its mission and has the Naval ensign on the top left corner. The stamp has adopted a photograph taken by Cdr.D.S Brar of the Indian Navy.

The First Day Cover carries the logo of the 7th Review, depicting the Naval crest and a composite group of five silhouettes of some of the Indian Navy's prized possessions symbolising its three dimensional role viz., on the sea board, in the air and in the ocean depths. In the far horizon is the Navy's 2nd Aircraft Carrier Viraat and Sea King class anti-submarine attack helicopter. In the middle distance is a Rajput Class, guided missile destroyer. The nearest silhouette is that of the indigenously designed and built Godavari Class guided missile frigate - the only frigate-sized ship in the world to carry two Sea King helicopters. In the foreground is a Shishumar class SSK submarine.

The co- authors of the stamp & cover are Commodore Anil Dhir and Captain Arun Sachdeva of the Indian Navy.

The three circular segments on the top of the cancellation represent three arms of the Indian Navy, namely, the Naval Aviation, the Surface Forces and the Submarine Arm. The President of India is represented by our emblem at the centre. Seven anchors around the national emblem represent the 7th President's Review of our Fleet.

Date of Issue: 15.2.1989