Daughters of late Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, MVC (Posthumous), handed over the original Maha Vir Chakra to the INA

During a moving ceremony held at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, the original Maha Vir Chakra was given to the INA by the daughters of the late Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, MVC (Posthumous). The second-highest military honour in India, the Maha Vir Chakra, is given for eminently brave actions against hostile opposition.

Captain Mulla's daughters, Dr. Ameeta Mulla Wattal and Mrs. Anjali Kaul, presented the award to Vice Admiral Puneet K. Bahl, Commandant of the INA, on behalf of the academy. Furthermore, the children of Captain Mulla delivered an inspiring speech on leadership principles learned from their father's valiant deeds.

The heroic deed of Captain Mulla dates back to the 1971 Indo-Pak War, on the night of December 9, 1971, when torpedoes struck the INS Khukri. Even after deciding to leave the ship, he went back to the bridge to supervise more rescue efforts. His altruistic deeds, such as going down with the sinking ship, exemplify the greatest standards of service and the fundamental principles of courage, honour, and duty. At Prerna Sthal's motivational hall, the original Maha Vir Chakra will be proudly placed beneath Captain Mulla's commendation.

A tribute to Captain Mulla's legacy is the INA's world-class aquatics complex. Stories of courage and valour are displayed in each INA squadron so that future generations of young officers entering the esteemed institution will be inspired by the same spirit of bravery and gallantry.