When people picture Vizag, they often imagine serene beaches, the majestic Dolphin’s Nose, and a bustling port alive with modern industry. What rarely comes to mind is the scene of warplanes roaring overhead, bombs whistling downward, and local residents huddling in trenches, clinging to the hope of survival. Yet for a brief, intense period in 1942, the very “City of Destiny” was on the front lines of a global conflict that rattled its peaceful rhythms and forced it to develop an impromptu civil defense apparatus. From INS Ryujo’s feared warplanes
to everyday hardships like blackout regulations, rationing, and rumored invasions, Vizag in wartime stands as a stark testament to how civilian life can transform in the crosshairs of conflict.