Raj Dutta: January 2022

Saturday, 29 January 2022

REPUBLIC DAY 2022 BY NFMC

The 73rd Republic Day ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial, where he lead the nation in paying tribute to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. This year's celebrations were more significant because it is the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, and it is being commemorated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' across the country. For the main parade on Rajpath, on 26th Jan and ‘Beating the Retreat' celebration at Vijay Chowk on 29 Jan, the Ministry of Defence had planned a few new events. Now onwards, every year the Republic Day celebrations will last for a week. The festivities will begin on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and conclude on Martyrs' Day — January 30. Among the new events planned for the main parade were the launch of the National Cadet Corps' , ‘Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman' programme, a grand flypast by 75 Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters, cultural performances by 480 dancers selected through a nationwide Vande Bharatam dance competition, a display of 10 scrolls each measuring 75 metres prepared during the ‘Kala Kumbh' event, and installation of 10 large LED screens. For the Beating the Retreat ceremony, a drone show with 1,000 indigenously manufactured drones gave a spectacular nail biting coloured performance.

DRONE SHOW AT THE RAJ PATH AFTER BEATING RETREAT

CELEBERATIONS BY NFMC VETERANS

Not withstanding the 3^rd Pandemic Wave, Veterans of Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter celebrated the 73^nd Republic Day on 26^th Jan 2022 at various Schools/Colleges and the local Societies. Cdr Gurbachan Singh arranged Republic Day function at the Mira Road War Memorial…Cdr Sandeep Srivastava, Unfurled the National Flag at his Sunflower Society in Thakur Village, Kandivali. A befitting ceremony was organised by Veteran Capt Rakesh Agrawala staying in Wadala for the residents of Bhakti Park. Our Committee member from Thane, Cdr Abhishek Kankan addressed the students of CBRE IDC online. Cdr PS Mehta did the honours of unfurling the National Flag in a housing Society at the request of Cdr Vadhera, President NFMC. He was picked up and dropped by the Society and given due honour and respect deserving a War Veteran. Cdr Nozar Engineer was invited to the Republic Day Celebrations by Mithibhai College, Bandra. The Vice-Principal picked him from his home in Ville Pale and after the ceremonial function he was escorted back by the ex-Principal. In the evening after paying homage to the ‘Amar Jawan’, the monument resurrected by Lt Shreekant Bhende at Borivali, a few Veterans and Veer Naris converged onto his Divine Bungalow for a relishing dinner.

CAPT RAKESH AGRAWALA

“25th January 2022 night ,I polished my shoes, put all my Medals on my Blazer, tie, belt and Navy Sidecap, all laid out for the 73rd Republic Day Flag Unfurling Ceremony in my Elite hsg society & Colony Bhakti Park Wadala East Mumbai where I have the Honour to tie the Flag, then Unfurling or Hoisting ,a task I love to perform twice a year, last 16 years. 26th January 2022, got up early and got ready by 0845 went down and folded the Indian Flag filled with rose Petals and tied it up to the top of the post, ready to be unfurled. All society people assembled by 9.0 and I was asked to do the honours. I have decided to take young girls to Unfurling the flag with me to become Girl Power of the country...We then sang the National Anthem after Unfurling the flag. Small children sang patriotic songs, sweets were distrusted. By then it was 0945, time for me to go the 25 acre garden of Bhakti Park for preparation of Flag folding...I rushed there and found 4 College going girl waiting to do the honors along with me. 1030, more than 250 residents, children, and poor children of a charity school, run in the garden had assembled. We unfurled the flag, sang the National Anthem with Josh. Sweets, hot Samosas were distributed to all. A large number of children and society members took pride in having them photographed with me in my uniform. By 12.00 the function was over and I marched back to my residence in pride, my uniform and my Medals. Attached are pics, videos and one very interesting gesture of a very poor boy who was in a photograph with me.”

CDR NOZAR ENGINEER

Cdr Nozar Engineer, our NFMC committee member, was invited as the "Chief Guest" for the Flag Hoisting, by the management of M. M. K. College of Commerce and Economics, Bandra. The Flag hoisting was at 0800 h followed by speeches by Cdr Nozar Engineer (Chief Guest), Mr CA Murtuza Kachwala (Guest of Honour) and Dr KS Peshori, Principal of the College, and ended with the "Vote of Thanks" by one of the professors. Subsequently, mementoes were presented to the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour. Light refreshments were served thereafter.

CDR PRATAP SINGH MEHTA

Cdr Pratap Mehta and his wife Shail Mehta were invited to CENCED Apartments at Union Park in Bandra West, by their energetic Hon. Secretary Prof Naresh Nanda, for Flag unfurling ceremony on 26 January 2021 as guest of honour. The function was well attended by enthusiastic members, and their families. Prof Nanda, a Chief Engineer and presently a senior faculty at LBS Nautical College in Mumbai, meticulously organised the function to minutest details.

CDR ABHISHEK KANKAN

The Thane Committee Member of NFMC was invited to address the students and members of CBRE IDC online, in their celebration of 73^rd Republic Day. Abhishek is a Gallantry awardee and was an active member of Ocean to Sky expedition and summitted the Everest. Never to rest on past laurels he is presently involved in building the Railway Tunnel and is addressed as the Tunnel Man by Cdr Vadhera, President NFMC. His inspiring stories kindled the soldierly jazba in his online audience.

CDR GURBACHAN SINGH

AMAR JAWAN MEMORIAL, Mira Road-East

A Programme was arranged to celebrate 73rd Republic Day at our very own “Amar Jawan Memorial” ,which was established with the passion and dedication of the Federation( consisting of 20 Societies), Members and Veterans duly sponsored by Mr Himesh Shah, owner Yes Prosper Spinning Technologist. The Memorial was inaugrated on Army Day, 15 Jan 2019 by Cmde Biman Mistry Chairman of Bombay Ex-Servicemen Association.

The Programme commenced at 9.15 AM by unfurling the National Flag and singing of National Anthem. Floral tributes to the National Martyrs were paid by the Veterans followed by the Members of the Management Committees and residents present on the occasion. The Welcome Address was given by the Chairman of Management

Committee of Federation. A colourful variety entertainment programme was presented by Children of the Federation. The programme was attended by around 80 to 100 residents of the Sector including Ex-Servicemen, ladies and children. On Completion of the ceremony, Chocolates were distributed to all the people present for the ceremony.

CDR GB SINGH WITH SOCIETY MEMBERS

CDR SANDEEP SRIVASTAVA

Cdr Sandeep Srivastava, Unfurled the National Flag at his Sunflower Society in Thakur Village, Kandivali East and addressed the Society members.

CDR SANDEEP SRIVASTAVA

CDR SANDEEP SHRIVASTAVA WITH SOCIETY MEMBERS

LT SHREEKANT BHENDE

“By 15 January 2022 veteran Lt. Shreekant Bhende was getting restless. The daily news papers, Tv news, WhatsApp messages belted out dismal news of resurgence of Covid’s 3^rd wave with it's Omicron variant that was spreading it's tentacles all over Mumbai. Would the gathering on 26^th Jan be stalled even this year too….was the question playing on his mind.

He gave in to the scare and on 19th of Jan 2022 announced the cancellation of the gathering in the Whats App group. He planned to tag in senior veteran Cdr Kutty and together pay a quiet homage to the martyrs. Then suddenly a knight in shining Armor emerged, Cdr K. K. Sharma posted a message requesting 5 volunteers join in, to pay homage to the martyrs. So, we did gather, albeit fewer in numbers, but higher in spirits. Veer Naris Mrs. Anuprita Paranjape and Dr. Shreelatha Banger placed wreath at monument. Others who joined the gathering included Cdr & Mrs M Courtinho, Cdr & Mrs S Shrivastava, LtCdr Rajeshwari Kori and Cdr KK Sharma.

It was an emotional moment for the veterans, since we had lost three of our enthusiatic members, Cdr Paranjape, Veer Nari Kashibai Kori and Cdr RS Sharma within a year. After the ceremony the Veterans and Veer Naris proceeded to Lt. Bhende's abode for home cooked delectable vegetarian dinner by Mrs Indira Bhende. Three Cheers to Lt Shreekant and Mrs Indira Bhende, the generous hospitable hosts of the evening .... We should meet again on 30 Apr for celebrating the 6^th Birthday of ‘Amar Jawan’....A sentiment that was echoed by the 26 Jan WhatsApp Group, created by Senior Veteran who's young at heart, Lt Shreekant Bhende.

SAM NO VARUNAH

JAI HIND

VIDEOS

(KINDLY DOUBLE CLICK)

👇👇

https://youtu.be/LNSO09GImE0

Tuesday, 4 January 2022

VETERANS DAY CRICKET-2022

The match starts much, much earlier than the actual Match - Sachin Tendulkar

CINC WITH VETERANS TEAM

The NFMC fraternity is aware of the ethos of the above quote that has been the diktat of Cdr Vijay Vadhera, President NFMC in all his actions. Take for example the preparations of 2023 cricket on the very first day of next year are already on the cards along with Veterans Day Parade on 15 Jan 2023.

The Veterans team formation commenced a month in advance with the formation of a Whatsapp group by the Team Captain Cdr Vijay Vadhera and three practices were undertaken in the NOFRA grounds on 10^th, 19th and 26^th Dec 2021 for the final clash on Sun 02^th Jan 2022 at the Kohli stadium.

Both the teams had a couple of practices of their teams at the NOFRA hockey ground prior to the T-15 final match. Admin Orders were issued by CAPO for coordination and conduct of the match, detailing K-22 and Kunjali for organising the event. A rolling trophy had been instituted by NFMC which was taken home by the Veterans in 2020. The individual trophies for Best Batsman, Bowler and Man of the Match were introduced by WNC. The Kohli stadium ground was prepared and well decked up for 02^th Jan. There were two separate enclosures for players and enough chairs in the stands for spectators. It was planned to commence the match at 10’ O clock to finish it in time for Beer and Lunch at IMSC for the teams and all spectators. Both the teams, the young Veterans XI and the younger C-in-C XI were evenly poised to lift the Rolling Trophy. Veterans were eager to defend it.

THE CLASH OF 02 JAN 2022

Veterans XI: Cdr Vijay Vadhera (Capt), Cdr Tony Chacko (V Cap/WK), Cdr Brijesh Bhatnagar, Cdr Hari Subramaniam, Cdr Murli Menon, Cdr Nevil Malao, Cdr Ritesh Menon, Cdr Dinesh Rai, Cdr Puran Rawat, Lt Neelabh Singh, Cdr Adhir Patel (12^th Man- Cdr HM Rao)

C-in-C XI : VAdm K Swaminathan (COS, Capt), Cmde S Chopra, Cmde A Vadhera, Capt Sumit Bhatnagar, Cdr PV Suryanarayana, Cdr Parashar, Cdr S Diwakar, Cdr Gaurav Shukla, Cdr V Kumawat, Cdr Irfan Khan, Cdr Akshay Chullu, (12^th Man- Col MP Singh)

Commentators : Cdr Raj Dutta & Rajinder Singh, CPOPTI

The Veterans team was at the grounds sharp at 0845 hrs for a warm-up and the photoshoot by Meena (Pics below). Soon the C-in-C team arrived and both teams could be seen exercising and practising with full josh. The spectators started trickling in at the viewers’ gallery. The Umpires walked in sharp at 0930 hrs. Both Team Capts were at the pitch for the toss of the Coin. VAdm Swaminathan won the Toss and elected to field. Both the teams jogged in confidently and lined up for introduction to the Chief Guest VAdm R Swaminathan, DGNP(Mb). The members of both teams shook hands with each other with a warm smile, a challenging glint in their eyes and words of ‘Best Wishes’ on their lips. They then walked back to their Pavillion enclosures.

Ran in the C-in-C XI team lead by COS, who along with the Opening Bowler Cdr Irfan Khan, organised the aggressive strategic field placing like a chakravyu to trap the openers early on. Cdr Vijay Vadhera and Cdr Tony Chacko walked in confidently and the later took guard at the striker's end. The 4 bowlers who rotated for 3 overs each were Cdr Irfan Khan, Cdr Parashar, Capt Sumit Bhatnagar and Cdr Goswami, while Cdr Kumawat bowled two overs and Cdr Akshay one. The Batsmen executed a cautious start. After the early fall of Cdr Vadhera’s wicket, Tony Chacko(10) and Neelabh(19) gave some semblance to the slow ticking score card. After their fall, some hard hitting by Cdrs Adhir Patel (25 runs - 2 sixes) and H Subramaniam(27 runs - 1 six) saw the scoreboard smiling on 104 for 3 wkts after the quota of 15 overs. A respectable total to defend.

In jogged the Veterans fielding team lead by Cdr Vadhera after the innings interval, swinging their limbs. Soon the field placing had been complete and in walked the C-in-C XI openers, Cdr Kumawat and Cdr Diwakar. After a slow start in the first over and fall of Cdr Diwakar(4) to Nevil Malao, in walked the smiling VAdm K Swaminathan, who transferred some of his smile to the scoreboard by some hard hitting. After making quick precious 23 COS was bowled by Cdr H Subramaniam. It was then left for Cdr Irfan Khan(11) and the opener Cdr Kumawat (unbeaten 50) to achieve the target of 105 in 11 overs. Cdr Kumawat carried his Bat through to deservedly claim the Best Batsman Award.

Both teams lined up at the tracks for felicitation of the Match officials by the Chief Guest, VAdm R Swaminathan. Cdr Satyanarayan, ExO Kunjali took to stage and thanked the Match officials, Commentators and Photographers. Meena Dutta was cheerfully surprised on being felicitated for running around the field clicking snaps. The Spectators and Guests were then requested to proceed to IMSC for Presentation ceremony and Lunch and a merry ‘meet and greet’ session.

PRESENTATION CEREMONY

VAdm AB Singh, FOCinC West gave away the prizes at the presentation ceremony. The Best Batsman trophy went to Cdr Kumawat with a highest individual total of 50 n.o., The Best Bowler trophy was bagged by Cdr Irfan Khan with most economical bowling giving away only 8 run in the allotted 3 overs. The most spirited fielder award went to Veteran Cdr Nevil malao. The most coveted individual prize of MOM was yet again bagged by Veteran Cdr Hari Subramaniam for the second time. The CinC then awarded the Rolling Trophy to the Capt of the winning team, VAdm K Swaminathan, COS and his buoyant team amidst a huge round of applause.

RESULTS

VETERANS XI- 104 / 3

CinC XI – 110 /2

CinC XI beat Veterans XI by 8 wickets

AWARDS

BEST BATSMAN – CDR V KUMAWAT (CinC Team) – 50 n.o.

BEST BOWLER – CDR IRFAN KHAN (CinC Team) – 3 overs 8 runs

BEST SPIRITED FIELDER – CDR NEVIL MALAO (Veteran XI)

MAN OF THE MATCH – CDR H SUBRAMANIAM (Veteran XI) – 27 n.o. and 3overs 1 wkt

ROLLING TROPHY – CinC XI

The Chief Guest in his address congratulated his team for the joint teamwork in lifting the Rolling Trophy of Cricket. Cdr Vadhera in his closing remarks mentioned about the genesis of this Cricket match and instituting of the Rolling Trophy, to enable the tournament to be held every year preceding the Veterans Day. He also briefed about the pending events in the rundown to the Veterans day, i.e. the Sailing Competition on the next day, unfortunately the Veterans Day Parade on 9^th Jan at Marine drive had to be cancelled due to spike in Covid. The Soman Memorial Lecture shall also be conducted by online VCon.

The meet and greet then continued amidst beer, drinks of choice for ladies and delectable lunch to follow, topped up with delicious Vanilla and Gulab Jamun. A great exciting day for both the teams and spectators alike.

Sam No Varunah!

Jai Hind!

PS- PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY @ MEENA DUTTA