Golden jubilee of Minicoy Lighthouse takeover

Kochi, Mar 29: The Minicoy Lighthouse, built in 1885 on the Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep, stands prominently astride on one of the busiest sea lanes as a guiding beacon to all the mariners who pass by.

Although India attained independence in 1947, the administration of the lighthouse continued to be under the British Government till April 1956. In that year, INS Tir of the Indian Navy was tasked to facilitate the takeover of the lighthouse by hoisting the tricolour.

To commemorate the 50 years of this historic event, a function is being held at the premises of the Minicoy Lighthouse on April.

In a celebratory reunion, the midshipmen onboard INS Tir, who are now long retired from service and settled in various parts of the country, will come together to rekindle their memories of that golden moment, an official release said here yesterday.

The function will also be attended by the Director General of Lighthouse and Light Ships of India Manmohan Sing Suman, Administrator of Lakshadweep Islands Parimal Rai, Commodore M S Pavithran, the Naval Officer-in-charge (Kerala and Lakshadweep) and a host of other dignitaries.

UNI