The 2025 edition of the Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture was held on 14 February 2025, coinciding with the 20th Foundation Day of the National Maritime Foundation NMF. This prestigious event commemorates the enduring legacy of Vice Admiral KK Nayyar, whose vision and intellectual rigour established National Maritime Foundation as a premier institution for maritime thought and policy advocacy. He played a pivotal role in efforts towards dispelling India’s maritime blindness and nurturing a robust maritime consciousness. As the founder-chairman of NMF and having played an instrumental role in establishing Vivekananda International Foundation VIF. The event commenced with opening remarks by Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, Chairman NMF. Thereafter, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS delivered an insightful speech, contextualising the significance of Vice Admiral KK Nayyar’s legacy and the importance of maritime consciousness in the nation’s growth trajectory. CNS exhorted all present to honour Vice Admiral Nayyar’s legacy by continuing to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and strategic vision. The address by CNS was followed by the 'Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture' by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, former President of the Republic of India. Renowned for his statesmanship and visionary leadership, Shri Kovind’s lecture focused on “Increasing Maritime Consciousness in India: A Strategic Imperative for National Prosperity and Security.” His address highlighted the vital role of the maritime sector in realising India’s aspirations to become a developed nation by 2047. He emphasised fostering a robust maritime culture to enhance economic growth, strengthen national security, and solidify India’s stature as a leading power in the Indo-Pacific region. The event was attended by senior serving and retired officers of the Indian Defence Forces, members of the diplomatic community, eminent academicians, strategic experts, and close friends and family members of the late Vice Admiral KK Nayyar.
