The Maritime History Society, an academic initiative of WNC, is conducting a seminar on 18 Feb 2024, to commemorate the anniversary of the 1946 Royal Indian Naval (RIN) uprising that started in Mumbai. The seminar will be preceded by a wreath laying ceremony at the Naval Uprising Memorial in Cooperage, to pay homage to the valorous Royal Indian Navy ratings who participated in the Uprising. The Memorial will remain open from 1 PM to 5 PM for the public to visit and obtain deeper insights into this epochal event. Commodore Srikant B Kesnur, Ph.D (Retd), and Ms. Janhavi Lokegaonkar, Senior Research Associate at the Maritime History Society, will lead the discussions, offering insights into various aspects of the Uprising and its wider implications. Ms Janhavi's talk will delve into India significant naval contribution to the allied efforts during World War II, focusing on the role of the RIN in the backdrop of India's struggle for independence. She will explore the recruitment of Indian troops, discriminatory practices by the British and the historical context that led to the RIN Uprising in 1946. Commodore Srikant Kesnur's talk will focus on the genesis of the mutiny and its subsequent expansion to widespread locations such as Karachi, Aden, and Southeast Asian countries. He will also elucidate on how ordinary citizens of erstwhile Bombay rallied in support of the mutinous Indian Naval ratings, culminating in a powerful display of solidarity on the streets. This commemorative seminar will provide a compelling exploration of a critical chapter in India's maritime, naval and national history. History enthusiasts, media representatives and general public are welcome to attend the seminar and contribute to this enriching dialogue. Further details are available on the Society's website www.mhsindia.org.
