COP INTERACTS WITH NFMC VETERANS
When the Present is in sync with the
Past, the Future is bound to be radiant. The transformational Senior leadership
of Indian Navy is a welcome development that is visible in recent times. Transformational
Leaders are enthusiastic, passionate, genuine and energetic. These leaders
are not just concerned about helping the group achieve its goals; they also
care about helping each member of the group reach his or her full potential.
Management Committee of NFMC was indeed elated when
Chief of Personnel, VAdm DK Tripathi, AVSM, NM expressed his desire to interact with
Veterans of Mumbai on 6 Jul 2022 noon time in IMSC. A whatsapp post was
broadcast in early July for names and within 2 days 40 Veterans expressed their
eagerness. The list was despatched to HQs. The weather did try to play spoil
sport with Orange Alert issued. But that didn’t dampen the spirit of Veterans,
who converged at the Venue from Mumbai and Suburbs despite odds. Such occasions
are much awaited by Veterans. The bliss of interacting with like minded Veterans is
priceless and evident during such a buoyant congregation. Among the serving
personnel who graced the occasion were FOMA, CSO(P&A), CMO, Cd Wel O, Commanding
Officers of Asvini, Angre, Kunjali, OICs of NAVPAY, NAVPEN, ECHS, and CABS.
The Chaiman IMSC and staff welcomed the Veterans ; Valet Parking provision had been catered for after which the Veterans were escorted to the Sea Lounge by IMSC staff. It was a pleasure to interact with serving personnel, prior to the arrival of the COP.
VAdm DK Tripathi, AVSM, NM is a tall and handsome Admiral,
who entered wearing a smile with a confident gait.( We had been shipmates on INS Ranvir as young Lts in 1989-90) Cdr Vijay Vadhera, President
NFMC took to stage and welcomed the COP of behalf of all Veterans and mentioned
that the Veterans were pleasantly agape at this unprecedented gesture from a
COP. He requested the Admiral that before migration of Pre 2016 Veterans is
undertaken a review of feedback of post 2016 retirees be considered.
Adm Tripathi in his address brought out the positive aspects
of the Agnipath scheme stating that it’s a pilot project and after 4 years the
scheme may be appropriately tweaked, albeit he was personally optimistic about
the scheme(Vids below). He also mentioned about Sparsh, which has no roll back
option but migration of pre 2016 shall take some time, after complete
implementation with post 2016 retirees. The sparsh team is on a tour and
presently in Vizag conducting workshop for NFVC. He also briefed about the new
acquisitions including status of IAC Vikrant.
Later the bar was open and the Admiral had personal
interaction with Veterans over a glass of beer. The Agnipath scheme was further
discussed and all Veterans were thoroughly satisfied with the idea of Nation
building and optimistic about the outcome of the scheme. Cdr Vadhera mentioned
to COP about his interaction with RM and proposal of Pan India conduct of
Veterans Day Parade. The RM was in agreement and had assured about taking up
this issue during Chiefs meeting in presence of CNS and CinC. Cdr Vadhera
requested the COP to remind CNS about it.
The COP mentioned that NHQ has taken up the case of Capt (TS) notional
promotion of Veteran Cdrs affected by AVSC, with the MOD and we can hope for the best.
The interaction had been highly satisfying for the Veterans
present. The Continental lunch to follow was delectable and exquisite, topped
up with chocolate cake and Vanilla ice-cream.
Post interaction with Veterans, COP had a personal meeting
with Cdr Vadhera and LtCdr Farokh Tarapore, Coach of Indian Sailing Team for
forth-coming Asiad and next Olympics, in Secy IMSC’s cabin. Being President of
Indian Naval Sailing Association, COP later paid a visit to INWTC and met the OIC and staff. (Photos and
Indian Navy tweet below)
President NFMC’s msg for NA to
CNS and CinC:
Cdr Vadhera (Retired but not yet Tired)
President NFMC
06 July 22
Sam No Varunah
Jai Hind
