Commander-in-Chiefs' are Important 'People'

Commander-in-Chiefs' are Important 'People'

If you are like me, who joined the Services, with zero exposure to defence Services and only 'Commando' art books and Alistair MacLean to go by, then you would understand that why I thought CinC's were very important 'persons'.

After actually joining the Services, it became I was convinced, that the CinC was personally monitoring my performance and progress as a Cadet in the Naval Academy. By the time the Passing-out-Parade was announced, it was evident to me that the CinC, other than me, was 'personally' monitoring the progress and performance of my drill instructor, Divisional officer, Canteen officer and the Librarian too! My respect for the CinC was greatly enhanced. 

Being academically below par, I had missed the 'Duties and Responsibilities' of the CinC in Service subjects. It is only during the Sea Cadets' time and and as a Midshipman (two times), and a few Annual Inspections thrown in between, I finally figured out that the CinC was INDEED an important 'person'. But much to my relief I also figured out that he wasn't really (like by God) not monitoring my progress or performance (yet).

I won't drag ths further. Time flew.

I was once the Board President of a SNC Inter-Galley Cooking Competition! The Board visited selected SNC units, far and wide. 'Tasting' food and following guidelines of a Navy Order. As expected, all units put their best 'food' forward during our inspection. 

The challenge was in units which had multiple galleys!

It was a Friday. Fishy friday in the Navy!

Galley 1 : Fish Fry

Galley 2 : Fish fry

Galley 3 : You guessed it right!

Galley 4 : Now you get it.

There were whispers : 'Officer cook' आया था galley में 😆. 

You're guessed it right, again : Cooks (Officers') were not to participate in the competition. Only the Ship's Galley(s).

The Board consisted of officers who were both pioneers in software development for the Indian Navy. But in those days they were seen as cry babies, forever demanding high end servers and the works. 

The result of the competition was all that the Board was required to submit. We did. I got fired, terribly, by my CO for not championing the cause of my own unit 😁

I, as the Board President, had also submitted an unsolicited but comprehensive report on the futility of the 'competition'. A report that POTUS Donald Trump's DOGE would be proud of today!

And then, as I went back to my 'duties', I forgot all about it.

Mind you! By now I KNEW CinC's don't bother with the stuff their Staff handle🤣 and especially know nothing about what I do or how I perform. SRO. Oops!!

Then one fine day, quite day, a couple of months later, a flutter. Flutter in the corridors. CO साब ने बुलाया. Flutter in my solar plexus. 

CO : "Did you submit a report alongwith results of Inter Galley Competition?"

Me : 🤔. Yes Sir.

CO : Who told you?

Me : 😲. Sir!

CO : What did you write?

Me : 😌. Sir, the futility of the whole exercise. 

CO : I got a call from the CSO(P&A).

Me : 😑 Sir.

CO : Someone put up your your report to the CinC 😡

Me : 😲Sir.

Me (Within) : Gulp.

Me (Within) : Do CinCs even READ such mundane reports? 😲

CO : CinC has directed to stop this wonderful competition based on your report 😡

Me (forever) : CinCs know everything, read everything, the minutest details. CinC knows every single person, activity, event,  individually. To the last detail.

About your unit and you. Hence, he is an important 'person'.

_As reminisced by Captain Rajshekhar Banerjee_.

Battle of Cattle

*Battle of Cattle*

Once during POP at Naval Academy (then in Goa) best laid plans were stalled by नंदी The Bull !!

Naval Academy was on hill top having large areas under thicket, scrub and brush. Therein lived a massive bull with a cow or two. Non domesticated and un-chasable because of the terrain. Cows being cows, docile and naturally inclined to be close to human habitation were often seen near messes, gardens, parks and staff quarters.

But their timing of being on the road during VIP visits was impressive 😁. The dry run to VIP visits was invariably a 'देखो' in front of CO's car 😄

Generations of COs, troops, morning PT groups, evening Games squads, QRT, माली, contractors couldn't either catch or chase them. This was much to the delight of the community of ladies and children who would feed रोटी and invoke prayers for the bovine safety. 

(To wit), a time came when the Hon Commission of the Bosunmate was lined-up his ability to capture or chase the Bull away (for the cows would be easy to catch thereafter, it was assumed).

This background is necessary to understand the events which unfolded on the day before the POP with the Air Chief Marshall being the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer. Every conceivable Karmic Law started unfolding on the day.

It rained. No big deal. 

After the evening function presented by the Cadets the VIP convoy proceeded to the Wardroom lawns for reception. 

Sure enough AT THE APPOINTED HOUR, the The Bull presented himself at a right-angled turn, obscured by pretty bougainvillea.

The VIP convoy Pilot and out-riders negotiated The Bull as they were all from the unit. But the VIP car was hired!

The VIP convoy, as mandated and exercised, maintained distance, speed and elan! However the bewildered hired car driver was taken by complete surprise by the mountain of a bull (who had by then positioned himself bang in the middle of the road). He was STILL.

As you already know, it was evening enough to be dark and the road wet. Suddenly, the 'Street Illumination Enhancement' Works' file - still not cleared by the MES - enveloped the CO's mind !!

The driver slammed the brakes. The ACM, a fighter pilot, was unfazed. The CO who was accompanying the ACM leapt out of the car. 

Shooo! Shooh! Livid. But The Bull was just on the brink of depositing the mightiest load of poo-doo-dung. He wouldn't budge at the shoo-ing of a mere CO💪

That is when Karmic Laws stuck again. The VIP hired car stalled!! After the very first failed attempt to restart, the ACM leapt out of the car and started walking towards the Wardroom lawns. The CO understood. The fighter pilot, ACM to boot, would have nothing to do with anything STALLED. 

How to I know the details?

I, who had, for the occasion, was, firstly permitted to bolt the auditorium before the programme ended: Was directed to receive the VIP at the Wardroom. 

So, when the VIP convoy reached the portico, albeit without the VIP car, I was perplexed. I rushed to the bend, and WHAT A SIGHT !!

The jovial ACM and the CO, enjoying the mild drizzle laughing, and walking up briskly. Knowing wise men!

Drizzle!! Couldn't scream. Turned back and waved to the' 'Umbrella team' to rush. They gave me quizzical looks from the safety of the portico. They wouldn't budge. Nope.

The distance was small and the two were gaining on my location. But by that time I wasn't looking at them. I was looking beyond them. Dozens of backup vehicles, ExO Gypsy, Regulating Officer's Gypsy,  private cars had all stopped around the bend. And a large body of gentlemen, in their evening mess uniform, WALKING BEHIND. In complete silence 😆

The ladies? Ohh! I have quite forgotten. It was such a minute in the passing.

The evening was full of mirth and every conceivable Naval disaster, goof up and Air Safety stories were discussed with great mirth and bereft of seriousness. A book rivalling 'On the Psychology of Military Incompetence' could very well have taken shape that night. 

Next morning the Cadets, as expected, gave an exceptional account of themselves on the drill square. Military matters and a stirring speech by the VIP ensured complete silence on the past evening's incident at the post POP refreshments. 

*Hot Washup*

One major issue that was discussed, was; why had I failed to spot The Bull when permitted to bolt the auditorium a few minutes earlier than the VIP.

_As reminisced by Captain Rajshekhar Banerjee_.

ज़रूरी तो नहीं.... अरुण खोब्रागड़े

My new one, for you Raj

ना जाने क्या जिंदगी ढूंढ रही हैं,

जिंदगी होंगी आसान यह ज़रूरी तो नहीं।

हमने यूंही एक पत्थर उछाला तन्हा बैठे बैठे,

हर सवाल का होगा हल यह ज़रूरी तो नहीं।

ख्वाबों के समंदर में निकली है अपनी कश्ती,

किनारा मिलेगा यह ज़रूरी तो नहीं।

हाथों कि लकीरें हो यां माथे की शिकन,

हर कोई अपने अंजाम तक पहुंचे ये जरूरी तो नहीं।

दरों दीवार को बंद कर जो सर झुकाए रहोगे तुम,

खुशबू तुम्हारी दूर तक जाए यह जरूरी तो नहीं।

                              अरुण

Avinash Nichkawde : Sunday morning reminiscence.

Avinash Nichkawde, was an 'Alpha male' before the phrase was born in linguistic architecture. I suspect it was coined specifically for him. 

Flashback 1980. Our 'house' (Ahilya, if I recollect correctly) was looking for someone to participate in the high jump event. Unlike 4x100 etc where the blame of being beaten by Avinash's team could be distributed to many individuals, it would not be possible in a high-jump event. 

As described in the previous Mathuranath Sanskrit recitation episode, I have held this distinction of being elected / selected for all unwilling events. So, lo and behold, I was the 'nominated volunteer' for representing the house.

It is much later in life I found out, such nominations are made by teachers / bosses to score brownie points with higher bosses (Mr. Naeem in this case). 

_See, we didn't let a walk over happen_  or _I motivated a young fella to take up the challenge_ 

In any case I was sent for a toss or a high jump, if you please. 

I, true to my own motivations and emerging Carl Lewis की कसम type, practiced for the big day. Of course, I was staying 16 km away from school with no facilities.  I guess I was confident that Avinash had this distinct disadvantage of not having home food and as a hostel boarder and being next to the high jump pit would only make him take it easy. I was fuelled by the hare and tortoise tale.

Cometh the day and cometh the hour, I was in the classroom, doing what I was good at : looking vacantly through the teacher and through the blackboard too. Someone came and informed, that I was to report to the high jump pit for the inter-house competition. I was shocked! I wanted to study. Now. Like I've never needed education more. The teacher permitted and I left reluctantly. *That day, the world lost a great academic in the making.*

The place was full! With girls too!!

Will the shame be mine! 

Avinash was dressed for the occassion. You know, the shorts, shorter than anything I had seen. I was not undressed either. I was wearing the loose full-pant! 

I vaguely remember some teachers (Mr. Gangajaliwale or Mr. Sherekar I do not recollect) asking me if I had something more sporty. I wondered, what could be more honorable than wearing the school uniform. I just had to jump, right; not swim! 

The competition started. There were more participants than I had guessed. Obviously other teachers too had made the efforts to shine their respective self appraisal. 

The others competitors quickly fell through. Only me and the great Khali were left at the pit. At one point Avinash tipped the bar and I cleared!! I WAS THE WORLD. Then the Rules came into play. They always do, when you are winning, right. Wrong. 

In high jump, competitors are allowed three attempts to clear a height. For the naughty minds, I was doing the Straddle while Avinash was doing the (Dick) Fosbury (what else!) technique.

In the next jump, Avinash soared over the bar by a mile. I knew my fate. I've no memories of the next height jump. On the appointed day we  collected our prizes.

Ever since, I've held, that coming second is way better than coming first. During my training at Naval Academy this theory was PROVEN. If if you came in the first enclosure after a long distance run, you were subjected to more 'training' till the last enclosure boys reached many minutes later. वो कहानी फिर सही.

Avinash, wishing you a happy wedding on 19 April 2024 (I will vote for you). 

Best wishes from a Best man. 

Human Race &Cycle of Destruction

Human race
Is Nature’s programmed creation….
to ensure the cycle of destruction.
So, let’s soldier on.

Swami Unohoo

Morning reminiscence.... Sanskrit Recitation Competition

It was class IX, X or XI.

XI academically unlikely, but then anything is possible.

Evidently, with great difficulty three names were mustered. Three only, in a school full of students studying Sanskrit! 

Evidence that there was GREAT difficulty is getting participants was; that I was the third name. 🤓 

For decades it has remained a mystery 'how me'! Why me?  I surely displayed no special acumen!! 😏

Only now I recollet that my elder brother was proficient and much liked by the Sanskrit teacher. So maybe she took a chance. I still kick myself for not protesting enough. But such are divine interventions. 😌

Mathuranath and Laxminarayan were the other two participants. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

To me, in those days, Suprabhatam and Shri VishnuSahasranam were 'something' 'South Indians' listened-to in the early morning without fail. Growing up in the 'colony', it was  sometimes 'irritating' and but useful during exam times!🤭

Laxminarayan recited his 'thing' with great authority. But, what stuck with me was the devotion in delivery of Mathuranath. I think mellifluous is the word. 😌

I do not recollect who recited what, but I recited only 10 assorted shloks out of The Gita. And for my effort I  was awarded the Third prize. Remember, there were only 3 participants!! 🥹

I thank my father, who was very sound with The Gita, for choosing the 10 assorted shlokas. They are the only 10 which remained with me till 2016. Only thereafter, I've attempted to read up The Gita with some purpose. I've not been able to go beyond chapter 2. It is so very enriching that I cannot go forward without assimilating it first.

I've held, Mathuranath recited Shri VishnuSahasranaam. And ever since I've had this urge to figure out what Shri VishnuSahasranaam was all about.

Sometimes in the 1990's I obtained a copy with translations to pursue understanding it. But military training and Naval 'regimen' took over. The next excuse was 'grihast aashram'.  

Finally, after swallowing the anchor, I've restarted my effort to 'figure out' ShriVishnuSahasranaam. *And what a delight it is* *!!*

I expect to skim the top of it by the time I'm 80. The depths, I think, may take many 'kalps' and 'janms'. 

Thank you Mathuranath. 🙏🏽

मंत्रोच्चार में कोई कमी ना रखें

 ** मंत्र का अर्थ है, एक शुद्ध ध्वनि ** 

मंत्रोच्चार में कोई कमी ना रखें | 

कदापि | 

 *मुख से मंत्र ध्वनि सही ना निकाल सकें तो मंत्र को मन में पढ़ें या सुनें* | 

यह उदाहरण सर्वश्रेष्ठ है. 

रावण के चंडी पाठ में यज्ञ कर रहे ब्राह्मणों की सेवा में ब्राह्मण बालक का रूप धारण कर हनुमानजी सेवाकार्य करने लगे।

हनुमानजी की नि:स्वार्थ सेवा से प्रसन्न होकर ब्राह्मणों ने हनुमानजी से वर माँगने को कहा। इस पर हनुमान ने आदरपूर्वक कहा कि प्रभु, यदि आप प्रसन्न हैं तो जिस मंत्र से यज्ञ कर रहे हैं, उसका *एक अक्षर* बदलने का मैं आपसे निवेदन कर रहा हूं।

हवन में लगे हुए ब्राह्मण हनुमानजी की मंशा को समझ नहीं सके और उन्होंने उनको तथास्तु कह दिया। 

मंत्रोच्चार में हनुमानजी ने कहा कि आप जयादेवी भूर्तिहरिणी में ' *ह* ' के स्थान पर ' *क* ' का उच्चारण करे। यह मेरी इच्छा है। 

इसका अर्थ है *भूर्तिहरिणी* यानी कि प्राणियों की पीड़ा हरने वाली और ' *_करिणी_* ' का अर्थ हो गया प्राणियों को पीड़ित करने वाली, जिससे देवी रुष्ट हो गईं और रावण को पराजित कर उसका विनाश कर दिया। 

हनुमानजी ने श्लोक में ' *ह* ' की जगह ' *क* ' करवाकर रावण के यज्ञ को सर्वकल्याण की जगह सर्वनाश में बदल दिया।

*मुख से मंत्र ध्वनि सही ना निकाल सकें तो मंत्र को मन में पढ़ें या सुनें* |

Hiding Behind the Pelorus Ship's Illumination

 *विडंबना* 

कभी एकांत में सोचता हूँ.... 1990 के दशक की बात.... 

Wardroom me Proceedings और कुछ अन्य futuristic विदेशी magazine....

और साथ ही पढ़ रहा हूँ Tom Clancy और Future Shock जैसी किताबें .... 

और असलियत में भाग ले रहा हूं exercise me, कि, how to illuminate ship to pass off as a merchant man..... 

बचपन बीत गया और भी चोर पुलिस का खेल रहा हूं.... ऐसा लगता था.... 

बेचारे LO की दशा आज भी याद आती है

 *उन दिनों मेरी परिस्थिति विडंबना की रही होगी या विरोधाभास की*

Capt Chafekar One Man Army

 https://sites.google.com/site/onemanarmymaker/achievers

Serial 181

Erroneous year 

Actual year of training under Captain Chafekar  is 1986

Saint Theresa College Independence

 https://www.sti-edu.in/independence-day-celebration.php 

Notes on Article

 Bravo ! This is very fresh approach. 

The context avoids the issues of 'nationalism' and 'religion centric' discourse. 

I dare say, the diverse and disparate nature of India precludes 'objective and a text' type mass movements and civil war. 

What endangers india today is the spontaneous nature of movement a-la Anna Hazare. 

The 'unemployable' unemployed in India today are the crucible; fomented by a 'Whatsapp culture' of unverified and unsubstantiated 'call'. Fortunately, the 'Agniveer' movement was limited due to the generally 'educated' and 'well-to-do' nature of the misguided participants. 

The diversity of 'sociogical nature of people' of India also precludes various leadership rungs required for an unsettling movement. The inherent 'peaceful' / 'minding-own-business' nature of the Indians too provides a certain cushion from rapidly spreading 'movement'. 

The days of armchair-intelligentsia spreading calumny against the state too is on the wane due to the comforts that the air conditioned armchair brings. The 'tools' used in the past quickly get unraveled in the social media today. The world is flat! That is the precise reason for the intelligentsia from hiring foot soldiers. 

I believe, for India, the clear and present danger, the real cause of worry, lies in  is the religious polarity coming into play.

The author's dependence on history is creditable, and it's outcome for future movements - aided (specifically) by changing technology - is expected to be seen in future / follow up article(s).

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Too much history... not woven with the headline... did not dovetail into a conclusion... 🙏🏽

A follow up article is required....

You could have specifically mentioned the Anna Hazare, Farmers and Agniveer ... 

The emergence of goons in Legislature and decline of the 'romantic' idealism of the intelligentsia are contributory .... in addition to the marginal improvement in lifestyle of the masses ...

-----------

https://chanakyaforum.com/anti-india-forces-techniques-and-agendas-exposed/?unapproved=23224&moderation-hash=e1614ffbcd21b4e3f2d769482c7e80e9#comment-23224 

Komalika Health

 You continue to smoke and drink. 

Maybe not regularly 

But you do... even if in spells.

This is a major cause of concern for us. Your illegal access to weed is of special concern.

It is evident from your bearing and physical condition. For all her faults, Mother CANNOT be wrong, when it is a matter of health. Even today my mother picks up the SLIGHTEST of my health issues. I back mom 100% in her description of your physical well being.

You are easily predisposed and inclined towards smoking and drinking.

We have ZERO tolerance towards accepting it.

The mere fact it is written at this time, is,  giving us sleepless nights.

Say NO to it all whilst in Goa. Inability to say NO - on these count - may be your weakness.

These are proven symptoms of people unsure of themselves. 

Saying 'Yes' when actually you want to say NO. 

Not knowing what to do when all others are indulging is weakness too.

I've a lot of faith in your abilities but you easily gravitating towards illegal and proven health hazards is unacceptable.

It is no consolation that your friends or acquaintances indulge in more serious issues. We expect you to maintain friendship and yet not participate in smoking and drinking. 

If all that I have said is accusing you, you need to ask yourself why this situation has arisen in the first place. 

Our ONLY evidence is your stae of  health as observed by mom. 

And *mom has not complained recently*... it is a collective thought I've written down.

If EVERYTHING is wrong, maybe I'm entitled to forgiveness.  If it is true in SLIGHTEST part, remember, we have ZERO tolerance towards smoking g and drinking.

Incidentally, the same goes for didi too.

How to redeem the situation, is your call.

You cannot bluff your way throughout. Health Insurance is a major issue. We DON'T have any health insurance. We remain covered by ECHS.

I cannot get insurance bcoz I've a history of epilepsy. Even though not suffering. Even a single attack in lifetime makes a person ineligible for Insurance.

Similarly Smoking makes you ineligible for insurance. Unlike my case, you will end up paying and paying for insurance but at the time of requirement money may not be paid.

A *nicotine or cotinine test* is used to detect evidence of nicotine use and presumed tobacco usage. READ UP (even years after quitting it can be found)

Remember, even common cold was not covered in Italy.

Add to it your Bronchial Asthama sensitivity. Add to it your injury to foot.

If any of these are declared viz Smoking Asthama or foot injuries... the Insurance will not take risk to cover your medical expenses. 

The ONLY Hospital which covers ECHS in Goa is Manipal, Panjim... which too shall be referred by Military hospitals ... Jeevanti /Nofra Library or Military Hospital (Panjim)... you can't just walk into Manipal hosp. 

If you have an insurance the hospitals are many where you can WALK IN ... 

1. SMRC Chcalim

2. Apolo Madgson 

3. Manipal Panjim 

and many others.

But.. as on date you have no insurance!

 *You will have to tell lies* to get an insurance...

-I have never smoked

-I do not suffer from Asthama

- I've no Injury which was operated upon.

As the hospital gets money from insurance companies, they tell everything to insurance companies and then they say ... you didn't tell us so we are not paying.

Private Medical expenses are PROHIBITIVE even for the well paid. 

Only at GMC it can be done at less cost but they don't have infrastructure.

Insurance shall be major part of your life (unlike ours Govt Hospital) 

While Asthama is a controlled situation and foot injury will not result in any disease... therefore Smoking shall be a serious handicap.

 *Exercise* . You do no physical exercise. 

Remember getting exhausted working is not exercise.

Sweating in sun is north same as sweating during exercise.

Any productive exercise must result in the heart pumping blood .. yoga is best suitable for you as swimming may not be possible everytime.

Food : Veggies & Fruits MUST remain in your menu *everyday*.

Yogendra Yadav Article

Mahabharat

https://theprint.in/opinion/india-created-cultural-illiteracy-in-the-name-of-modernity/843956/ 

Detest non veg the ultimate weakness

पर सामाजिक व्यवस्था की जरूरत हो 

तो मना नही कर पा रहा... ulimate greed at the cost of life... While championing life itself

अब भी

वही करना है🙏🏽

सम्पूर्ण veg🙏🏽🙏🏽

कुछ बोलूंगा तो हिल जाओगे🙏🏽

सोचोगए पागलपन आया है मुझपे

दंग रह जाओगे

Non veg खाने का सोच के

कितना निर्दयी हूं

की क्या पाप किया है

जो किसी प्राणी जीव आत्मा को खाने की नौबत आई मेरी

उस प्राणी के आखरी क्षण आंखों के सामने आने लगा है

उस जीव प्राणी की लाचार आंखे मुझे बचाने को देख रही - ऐसा भाव 

ऐसे और बहुत से विचार जो मुझे एक पाप भरी मृत्यु की तरफ धकेल रही है मुझे 

🙏🏽

यह बात सम्पूर्ण रूप से समझते हुवे

सम्पूर्ण रूप से जानते हुवे

कि, सौर्य ऊर्जा से प्रज्वलित veg items ही मनुष्य मात्र जीव के लिए सर्वश्रेष्ठ है 

एकमात्र खुराक है सूर्य देव के ज्योत से पनपे veg items adequate है

सब ज्ञान से अभिभूत होते हुवे भी non veg से अपने को दूर नही कर पा रहा यह मेरे जीव प्राण को संकुचित कर रहा है 🙏🏽

किसी को यह बात नही बता पा रहा

मेरे दिल प्राण में जो ग्लानि है वह मुझे अंदर से खा रहा है 

सही में खा रहा है

जीवित रहते हुए ही

उन प्राण की तरह feel कर रहा हूँ 

जिनके अंतिम समय मे उन्हें समझ जाता है 

की उनकी प्राण ली जाने वाली है और उनकी बेबसी उन मुहूर्तों में

17 Nov 2021 Farewell at Dockyard Officers Mess, Mumbai

Rear Admiral B Sivakumar, ASD, 

Heads of Departments, my superiors and colleagues....

चञ्चलं हि मनः कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद्दृढम्‌ ... this is how Arjuna starts to address Krishna when he speaks to Krishna  of the uncontrollable mind. I'm a mere mortal who is compelled to read a written script to ensure that I do not digress in the variety of thoughts and emotions of the past 35 years. 

I thank you all for your presence and especially Commodore Vikas Chawla, AGM(P&A) for the kind words of Introduction.

You represent the innumerable officers who have trained, taught, influenced, advised and supported me in all these years.

I place an extremely high value on sharing collective knowledge. 

My Experience in the service, stated explicitly - are as follows:

• Serious lack of fearlessness while performing official and profesional duties.

• Many amongst us are working hard and sincerely; but without intent.  

• A large majority are averse to decision making 

• Most of us do not invest enough - in training subordinates on the job

Therefore towards our commitment to Maa-Bharati I request you; to forever remain fearless, work with intent, take decisions and rigorously train your team in all aspects. 

Inevitable part of a farewel discourse ... are what are the future plans 

• Travel nationally. 

• Travel Internationally.

• By travelling, I wish to undertake a journey to discover my own self.

This is also an occassion to express regret. The one thing which I was told very early (and repeatedly) - yet I failed to respond adequately - is the balance between work & family.  I confess, I harbour the feeling that maybe I did not maintain adequate balance towards my family. 

I shall fail in my duty if I do not specifically and especially mention Rear Admiral B Sivakumar, for being a sterling example of all that I always wished, a superior and a colleague to be.

Wishing you, your respective families and teams...

- Fair winds, Following seas and ample fathoms below your respective bottoms. 

Once again, I thank you all for your presence.

Komalika's Message on Retirement

 35 Years 

It has been a memorable and crazy journey with the Indian navy. 

 

The past 20 years of my life have not been a piece of cake but in that time the only constant thing in my life was the Navy. With moving to different states, changing schools at least 7 times and one question that would make anyone interested in what I had to say “so what does your dad do?” 

 

I will always be eternally grateful to my father for giving me a life that allowed me to experience new things and definitely awakened the explorer in me. More importantly I am grateful that the navy taught me how to adapt and that sometimes things do have to end, so that the new adventure can begin. 

 

And to my old man 

You have had an exceptional career. As you like to say, one that the cosmos conspired to make sure that you would pursue.  You have been on a journey that has not taught not only you but us many lessons about life. It’s such an honour when people come up to me and tell me how you’ve changed the course of their lives. 

You’re my greatest inspiration and continue to be even if you’ve now exchanged your uniform for beach shorts. 

 

It has been an incredible ride. I wish you the best as you set sail for new horizons. 

 

Fair winds and Following Seas

Farewell Whatsapp Message to All

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

MIHAN STATUS

 We were in possession of two plots. 

Plot 39 has house

Plot 38 was vacant

Government acquired land.

This means BOTH house and vacant land acquired bt Govt.

THIS IS THE LAW.

For the acquisition the Govt has to pay compensation. 

If the compensation is not satisfactory, we can go to the courts.

Therefore approaching the courts is NOT for return of house or plot, but to ENHANCE the compensation. 

If indeed the compensation was paid then we would have NO CHOICE but to vacate and leave. 

In the present case, an EXTRAORDINARY decision has been taken by the Govt  and house plot has been returned (with some additional land to cover the room built after the original house. 

Original Total area of both plots is = 443.98 sqm

Now new area 268 sqm

Diff = 176 loss sqm

BUT the vacant land HAS not been returned... which is a loss. 

Now, the options are:

1. Request to Govt and Mohan to return our balance land.

This will most likely not happen, as all people who did not have house, will ask the same.

2. Get in touch with someone and ensure the vacant plot is not given to any human being. 

3. Buy out the plot from whoever gets it, at whatever cost he asks. 

4. Wait and watch. And continue to enjoy the fruits till some time.

All the options require plenty of engagement... Letter writing .... engaging the lawyer... Etc

That's it.

Address to the Students of Saint Theresa's Institute of Education

 Students of Saint Theresa's Institute of Education,

I join you all in celebrating our 75th Independence Day.

It makes me immensely proud
to see our national flag being hoisted
in the precincts of Saint Theresa's Institute of Education.
I congratulate the Principal, the faculty,
the administrative staff and especially the students
on this grand occasion.

It is my singular privilege to address you all
on this auspicious occasion.

Right from our childhood we are aware,
that Independence day is celebrated
with grandeur, fervor, and enthusiasm.

In our primary classes, despite our young age,
a sense of anticipation builds up.

We observe a flurry of activities amongst our teachers.

There is perceptible change of routine.

There is spring in the feet of senior students.

Teachers organizing groups of students
to undertake multifarious tasks……..[pause]

And then the day comes :
we hear patriotic songs being played,
decorations put up,
neatly dressed and lined up school friends,
the hoisting of the national flag,
the singing of the national anthem.

The sense of pride - welling up in our hearts
and maybe a few tears of joy.

We in the Indian Navy hoist the Naval flag daily
– we call it the Naval Ensign –
with all the attended ceremonies.

And I have attended these ensign hoisting ceremony
hundreds of times in my 30 year service career.
I must tell you – even today - I get the goose pimples
and the pride welling up in my heart,
that I am a warrior for my nation.

Yesterday, today, forever; till my last breath.


This sense - which we all develop –
right from our childhood, my dear students,
must forever remain in your hearts.

This, in its essence, is freedom.
The fragrance of freedom to breathe-in deeply.
The freedom to exchange our views.
The freedom to express our thoughts.
Freedom to speak, act and pursue happiness.

None of it is possible if we
- as a nation - are not free.

You are all aware that out country has
a very rich historical and culture legacy
transcending thousands of years.

However, none of the things
that I said about freedom
was possible since the 16th century till 15 Aug 1947.

That is a very very long time.

Therefore, gaining freedom
and celebrating it,
is such a wonderful occasion of joy.

To cherish this freedom we, as a nation
dedicated to ourselves
: an absolutely wonderful Constitution.

But...
The challenge of freedom is : to maintain it.
: to remain united to enjoy our freedom.
The challenge of freedom is : to remain vigilant forever.
: to be strong ….. so strong,
that no force on earth can even attempt
to break our unity and deprive us of our freedom.

We must be very-very aware :
that innumerable ancestors of our
have suffered tyranny,
endured unspeakable sufferings
and fought hard to achieve this freedom.

Similarly the challenge of maintaining the freedom
Since 1947, too has cost us causalities.


It was rightly said by our first prime minister
“To be secure on Land, we must be Supreme at Sea”.

This famous quote always reminds us
that we are primarily a Maritime Nation.

A strong navy is an important element
of every Maritime Nation.

India has a coast line of about 7500 km
and an Exclusive Economic Zone
of over 2 million sq kms.

In addition, we are endowed with
abundant oceanic wealth
comprising a large number of island territories
and vast sea bed area.

We must protect our natural wealth
and keep our trade routes open
in order to progress.

It is therefore, imperative
that India maintains a strong Navy
which is always in a high state of preparedness.

Little wonder then, the Indian Navy
is so-relevant-to-us-all !

Of all the diverse elements
that go into the making of a strong and effective Navy,
no-single-factor - is as important as
its men-and-women behind the machines.

For the Navy to be world class,
it requires top rate warriors.

Therefore, to be a strong nation
each one of us must be a warrior.

The responsibility of keeping the nation safe
is not only of the warriors
on the physical borders of the country.

The responsibility of keeping the nation safe
- is also - that of the warriors-within-the-country.

You are all aware, this concept
of warriors-within-the-country
has gained spotlight and enhanced importance
after we have been besieged by a global pandemic.

You all are aware,
that a large number of skills and professions
have been recognized as Covid-19 warriors.

However, the warriors of maintaining
the country's balance and progress
are in-all-spheres-of-our-lives.

Therefore, dear students,
never – ever think that you are not contributing
to the cause of the nation.

Your reason and purpose of life
must be nation building.
You must believe and act accordingly.

Whichever profession you choose : make sure
you have a national-cause attached to it.
Never-ever feel small or insignificant
about your contribution to nation building.

Be a warrior in the field of education or banking.
Be a warrior in providing services.
Be a warrior in the field of your choosing.

But remember, being a warrior is a state of mind.
For being a warrior you do not need
to be at war with anyone or anything.

Being a warrior means
to keep the fire within you alive
- of keeping the nation safe – through your work.

Being a warrior means :
being vigilant of the impact
of your personal and professional conduct.

Being a warrior means :
maintaining your integrity and honour
towards your country intact – at all costs.


Being a warrior means :
ensuring an atmosphere of unity
at your place of work and society.

Being a warrior means to be at peace –
with your own nation –
which has given you an identity.

You only need to be sincere and honorable –
in your intent and purpose - towards your nation.

When you do so, you will automatically
spread patriotism in your work space
and in the community you live.


Therefore, you will understand
We in the Indian Navy
remain steadfast in our resolve
To the code of Duty - Honour - Courage

So, how to be a warrior ?

I describe 'absence of fear'
as the fundamental necessity for being a warrior.

Good human beings have numerous qualities.
But some of the qualities are divine.

First and foremost amongst all divine qualities
is fear-less-ness.

Absence of fear is the surest way to be happy
in your mind and spirit.

Dear students - it my sincere request to you
to identify your fears. Accept them.
And then; go about training your mind
to see - how far you can move away from your fears.

It is only when
you confront, handle, manage your fears :
will you be able to take pride in yourself.
It is only then you will believe in your own self –
with your own abilities –
and have a clear mind of a warrior.

Your lack of fear will give you
unimaginable moral and spiritual strength.

Your fear-less-ness
will give you an aura of cheerfulness.
Your friends will be the first know,
that you are the one
who does not lie, cheat or live in falsehood.

Only then ….. and then only …. will you be ready
for being the warrior
that the nation expects you to be
in whatever field you choose.

So we the warriors in the Indian Navy
– in our own way – contribute to maintain
the freedom of the nation.

We draw our strength from
a very rich maritime heritage.

A study of the country's maritime history reveals
that the Indian sub-continent exercised supremacy
over the Indian Ocean from
atleast 2000 BC up to the 13th century.

Indians took to the sea for trade and commerce
rather than for political or military ends.
Thus, the period up to about 16th century
witnessed peaceful sea-borne commerce,
cultural and traditional exchange between countries.

The Indian Ocean has always been regarded –
by the world - as an area of great significance and
India-is-central to this Ocean.

Freedom of India is directly related
to the safety and security of its trade routes.

Around 95% (I repeat 95%)
of India's trading by volume
and 70% by value
is done through maritime routes.

It is the primary responsibility of the Indian Navy
to keep the sea trade routes
of our country
safe and secure.

Matters of safety and security
especially of maritime routes
– all over the world – has always
remained uppermost
in the minds of nation builders.

It is such a serious challenge
that no one can overlook it
for the slightest of time.

Just the other day, on 09 Aug,
the Prime Minister of India,
chaired the United Nations Security Council debate
on Global Maritime Security.

In his address the PM laid down 5 principles
needed for Global Maritime Security.

You all are aware that on the long coastline of India
there are many major ports like in Mumbai,
Kandla, Goa, Mangalore, Kochi, Kolkata,
Paradip, Visakhapatnam and Chennai

In addition there are about 200 other ports.

The protection of Indian merchant ships,
as well as the responsibility
of ensuring the safety of shipping routes
within the Indian Ocean region rests
with the Indian Navy.

We must not forget, that Indians constitute
one of the largest merchant ship crew in the world.

To provide this kind of safety the Indian Navy has
bases all across the coastline
including in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

The Indian Navy has hundreds of ships,
aircraft and submarines
to ensure that the freedom of trade for India
and in the entire Indian Ocean is maintained.

But who are these thousands of people
who are working in the Indian Navy !!

They are just like you all.

We in the Indian navy strongly believe :
The more you sweat in peacetime,
the less you shall bleed in war.

Therefore, training to be the warrior,
training to remain the warrior and
training to deliver as the warrior
is a continuous and unrelenting process
in the indian Navy.

The basic idea being : to always remain ahead
of your adversary. Always.

You must know; that not everyone
who work in the Indian navy
wear a white uniform
like the one I am wearing.

Almost half of the strength of the Indian Navy –
are non uniformed personnel.
They too are spread far and wide
and contribute directly
to the war-fighting capability
of the Indian Navy.

Indian Navy is NOT A JOB. It is a service.

Not only in times of war
but during unfortunate challenges such as
floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes;
the Navy is called upon
for rescue and relief operations.


Indian Navy offers a unique way
of exploring your life
and provide ample opportunities
to explore your potential
in every sphere of life.

Apart from learning valuable new skills
you acquire unrivalled experience
and core leadership skills…..


You shoulder greater responsibilities
of managing large and more complex
teams and equipment.

Every single thing that you learn –
benefits you beyond the Navy and
in your everyday life.

I will share an open secret.

The Indian Navy, also undertakes adventure activities
in the deserts and mountains,
in car and motorcycle rallies.

We get to swim in the middle of open seas,
visit the vast and untouched beaches
undertake parachute jumps,
fly hang gliders and micro-lite aircraft,
interact with people across the globe
all … whilst being on the job.

This is only possible
because the country enjoys freedom.

And we are free today
because of the past sacrifices of our warriors.

Therefore, today….. I urge you,
that whenever you hear this song ….
pause and reflect:
ऐ मेरे वतन के लोगों, ज़रा आँख में भर लो पानी
जो शहीद हुए हैं उनकी, ज़रा याद करो कुर्बानी

In the comity of nations
the name of our motherland has always remained high.

It is for us, the present generation,
to ensure that the dignity that comes from freedom
remains intact, eternally.

We in the Indian Navy continue to remain pledged
and resolved towards that goal.

Students of Saint Theresa's Institute of Education
join me in saying Jai Hind three times !!

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