What is Anjadip? Why is it famous? Where is it located?
Anjadip also called Anjediva, is the name of an island off the coast of Karwar in Karnataka. It was the scene of a battle between the Indian Navy and Portuguese forces during Op-Vijay, the military operation for the liberation of Goa in 1961. It was the first significant combat action for the Indian Navy post-independence. During the battle of Anjadip, seven Navy personnel made the supreme sacrifice. Although a memorial had been created at Anjadip island thereafter, the access was limited. The island now has an all weather road connecting it with Karwar main land. The present War Memorial was inaugurated in 2024 and depicts the seven martyrs in different combat postures.
We, a group of Navy Veterans and spouses, were fortunate to visit the Memorial during our Course Reunion in Karwar recently. Sharing a short picture story. The view from the southern tip of the island is simply breathtaking.
Visiting a war memorial is always a moving experience for us, the armed forces veterans. Ghumakkad has carried many stories about war memorials. Sharing below a few links for the readers to browse.
Rezang La - A memorial to 120 bravehearts of 13 Kumaon who fought till the last bullet and killed more than 1300 Chinese soldiers on the icy slopes in November 1962.
Siachen A Memorial Like No Other - A tribute to the individuals and units martyred and deployed respectively in Siachen glacier over the years.
Memorial to Gen Lachit Borphukan - Lachit Borphukan defended Assam from Mughal onslaught in 1671. A statue has been erected in his memory in River Brahmaputra. From 1999 onwards the Best Cadet in National Defence Academy (NDA) Pune is awarded a Gold Medal in Lachit's name.
Fallen But Not Forgotten - Remembering World War-I Martyrs. Memorial service in Bengaluru.
Thanks for browsing. Stay connected and do leave a comment. Few words will suffice. It encourages us
- Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Karwar and Secunderabad/ 14th December 2025
Postscript 15 Dec: Indian Navy named one of its Petya class corvettes as INS Anjadip in early 1970s. Commodore CR Charyulu Veteran, who was part of the commissioning crew of INS Anjadip wrote:
"After bringing INS Anjadip to India, we came to Goa and were fortunate to land at Anjadip island, by boat. Very nostalgic. Thanks for reminding those invaluable moments. Great coverage, as usual, Harsh. 🙏🏾"
#anjadip #warmemorial #karwar #karnataka #goaliberation #indiaaanvy #navyveterans #reunion #tribute #martyrs #opvijay #portuguese #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh
Beautifuly covered sir
ReplyDeleteThanks for browsing
DeleteYou offer stories of our heroes to a larger audience. Thank you for your dedication an service.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your appreciation.
DeleteWonderful picture story. I wasn't aware that one can drive to Anjadip now!
ReplyDeleteDebashis Mukherjee
Yes Debu, two years now. Well maintained road on the breakwater.
DeleteThe whole episode is covered beautifully with beautiful pictures. In that year I heard about this victory from from the mouth of an Army soldier in 1962 who faught the war.
ReplyDeleteI visited karwar long back.
Thanks for the revising me.
Thanks much Prof LSB. Do visit again. You will see the changes.
DeleteGreat narration Harsh
ReplyDeleteYour visualization of the historical event is exemplary to say the least, having walked through with you and the entourage...Fantastic
Gopu
Thanks much Gopu for your encouraging words.
DeleteAppreciate.
Battle of Anjadeep was against a foreign power. Why did the govt award Kirti and Shaurya Chakra? Why not MVC and VrC?
ReplyDeleteGood question.
DeleteWonder if any of the readers has an answer?
Beautifully narrated with pictures and videos Sir. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThanks much Gopi. Appreciate
DeleteThank you. This important information about our history and heros, is unknown to many.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for writing. Appreciate.
DeleteI had to write and tell you how moved I was by your coverage of the Anjadip War Memorial. It was absolute and comprehensive—leaving me with a profound sense of understanding and respect.
ReplyDeleteThe way you detailed the significance of that 1961 naval battle during Op-Vijay was masterful. You captured its gravity in a way that truly cannot be overstated. Reading your work, I felt every possible detail was honored, leaving no question unanswered in my mind.
I want you to know that I follow your blog religiously and hold your insights in the highest regard. Even when I don't comment, please know that I am always reading, always learning, and always deeply appreciative of the important work you do.
With great respect and admiration, sir.
Thanks Ravi for your appreciation.
DeleteAm humbled.
Thank you for sharing this sir. I did not know about Anjadip.
ReplyDeleteIs entry restricted?
Thanks Jai, we all keep learning.
DeleteYes, the present alignment goes through the Naval Base. But I guess access to the War Memorial will be made public like in Siachen and Rezang La.
JAI HIND BRAVEHEARTS.
ReplyDeleteJai Hind.
DeleteDear Sir, The Bravehearts Memorial was the idea of RAdm Ramkrishnan and it was during his tenure till recently, that he got this done. Credit to him also for the fact that his name gets mentioned no where in the history that he dug up for making all this happen. He also traced that there was one survivor from the original assault team and Mrs Auditto, whose husband was leading the operation, were invited to Karwar for the inauguration of the memorial. Kudos to the Admiral!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for bringing this out. Yes, I did notice the inaugural plaque mentioned FOK and not his name. Speaks volumes of his humility. Hat tip to him.
DeleteDo share his contact details on my email hbindia@gmail.com
Thanks again.
Excellent coverage !
ReplyDeleteThanks General.
DeleteExcellent tribute to the memories of the Naval heros who liberated Anjadeep Island. Pictures are superb.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Commander. Appreciate.
Delete