Today I bid farewell to active service with the Indian Navy.
It has been a memorable journey of learning and self exploration. The cosmos conspired to ensure that I served my selected choice of career.
I thank retired Superiors, sailors and Defence Civilians - who wore the hats of instructors, teachers, guides and advisors - in sharing their valuable knowledge and experience. I thank them for reposing their faith and trust in handing over the baton to me in fledgling years of service. To them, I offer my everlasting gratitude.
I thank my present superiors and colleagues for bearing with my professional outlook. To them, I extend my sincere respects and regards for providing me the space to be myself. I thank my subordinates past and present for pretending to be sincere in listening to the long sermons I suffered from giving. I continue to hold, that procedures take overwhelming precedence over 'practices'. The term 'best practices' only means 'proven procedures'.
I shall be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge the effort and contribution of innumerable non-government support staff - who work silently in our messes and communities - who have taught me many a lessons of humility.
To my extended family of schoolmates and service coursemates, I thank you for providing the space which no one can provide to express my deepest and shallowest philosophies! That ensured I maintained balance at work. Of all, you two lot will have to continue to work hard, to prevent yourselves from benefitting from my association post retirement!
I take immense pride in informing you of the rock like suppot I received from my wife Sandra (Bernie) and daughters - Supriya and Komalika - in putting up with my complete inability to balance between work and home. To them I owe my world.
To my larger family and blood relatives, I assure, that I shall make it a point to meet each one, personally within the next 365 days.
Finally, to my parents and elder brother, also my gurus, I thank them for providing me the spiritual ingredients and have the faith in my ability to serve Maa Bharati through the Indian Navy.
To all, I wish fair winds, following seas and ample fathoms below the keel, as you navigate through the challenges in ypur personal lives.
शं नो वरुणः
Jai Hind
Captain Rajshekhar Banerjee
