President Murmu to make history with submarine sortie during 4-day strategic tour
By Cygnus | 26 Dec 2025
President Droupadi Murmu is set to undertake a historic naval engagement this weekend. The Rashtrapati Bhavan confirmed today that she will embark on a submarine sea sortie from Karwar Harbour, Karnataka, on December 28.
The sortie is the centerpiece of a four-day official tour spanning Goa, Karnataka, and Jharkhand (Dec 27–30), designed to project a dual message of India’s maritime military strength and its rich indigenous cultural heritage.
A Historic Dive at Project Seabird
President Murmu, 67, will become only the second Indian Head of State to sail in a submarine. She follows in the footsteps of the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who undertook a similar sortie aboard the INS Sindhurakshak in 2006.
The event will take place at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka, home to "Project Seabird"—the largest naval infrastructure project in the Eastern Hemisphere. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President’s presence underlines the strategic importance of the Western Naval Command in safeguarding India's maritime interests.
This engagement follows her previous sorties in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet (2023) and recent reviews of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, reinforcing her active role in witnessing the operational readiness of the Indian military.
From Ocean Depths to Tribal Heritage
Following the naval exercise, the President’s itinerary shifts focus to cultural diplomacy and education in Jharkhand.
On December 29, President Murmu will travel to Jamshedpur to grace the 15th Convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT). Later that day, she will preside over the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script.
Created in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, Ol Chiki is the official writing system for the Santhali language. This milestone was uniquely honored just yesterday (Dec 25) when the President released the Constitution of India in Santhali at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Gumla Connection
The tour concludes on December 30 in Gumla, where the President will participate in the Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam Samaroh (Inter-state Folk Culture Gathering), also known as the Kartik Jatra. This festival highlights the cultural integration of tribal regions, aligning with the national push to promote indigenous arts and traditions.
Summary
President Droupadi Murmu will undertake a four-day official tour from December 27 to 30, 2025, visiting Goa, Karnataka, and Jharkhand. The highlight is a historic submarine sea sortie from Karwar Harbour on December 28, making her the second Indian President to sail underwater. Her itinerary also includes presiding over the 15th Convocation of NIT Jamshedpur and attending the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script, showcasing a balanced focus on India's strategic maritime power and its tribal cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Has any other Indian President travelled in a submarine?
Yes. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the first in 2006. President Murmu will be the second.
Q2: Where will the submarine sortie take place?
It will launch from Karwar Harbour in Karnataka, the base for the Indian Navy's strategic "Project Seabird."
Q3: What is the significance of the Ol Chiki event in Jamshedpur?
It marks the 100th anniversary of the Ol Chiki script, created in 1925. It is the alphabet used for the Santhali language and a major symbol of tribal identity.
Q4: What are the key dates for the Jharkhand leg of the trip?
She will be in Jamshedpur on December 29 (NIT Convocation & Ol Chiki Centenary) and in Gumla on December 30 (Kartik Jatra).
