Raj Dutta

Commander-in-Chief invites Veterans

One of the important and much awaited Naval tradition during the Navy week celebrations is the Veterans’ lunch being hosted by C-in-C every year. The bliss of interacting with like-minded Veterans is Priceless and evident during such a buoyant gathering. 02 Dec was the day when VAdm Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Sword-Arm of our fine Indian Navy invited all Veterans of Mumbai Chapter of Navy Foundation for lunch. All roads of Navy Colaba converged onto IMSC as hundreds of Veterans with their good ladies started gathering at the complex starting 11am. It was delightful to interact with senior veterans and former CNS Adm VS Shekhawat.

Cdr Vijay Vadhera, Secy NFMC had worked to a plan with ample seating arrangement close to the dais for senior aged Veterans and briefed everyone to maintain silence during C-in-C’s address. At the outset, Cdr Vadhera welcomed the C-in-C that was followed by an observance of 2 min silence in remembrance of those brother veterans who had left us for their heavenly abode in the past one year. VAdm Luthra in his address briefed the Veterans about the Naval activities in the year gone by, the Naval plans for the future and welfare measures by the Command particularly the ECHS issues.

Radm RM Bhatia then briefed everyone present on the wonderful efforts by NFMC Secy in enhancing the Chapter’s membership that had shot upto 1137 including 6 former CNS, and was the largest among the 15 Navy Foundation Chapters. He also mentioned about the successful maiden Tri-nation tour to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand (24 Aug- 03 Sep) organised by the Secy , that has paved the way for a similar tour to Europe next year during the same period, planning for which is underway by him. Radm Bhatia also highlighted the plans that are underway for the celebration of Veteran’s Day on 14^th Jan 2019 on a grand scale with ample media publicity and pep talks by veterans in various schools.

Later the bars were opened and the veterans interacted with each other and dwelled on their past nostalgic memories in the Navy over a glass of beer and a delicious meal. Everyone captured enough memories to glance back in footprints of time to come. Until we meet again, Cheers and Jai Hind !