75 YEARS OF INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE  

The Independence Day celebrations this year 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. The Josh has been unprecedented all across India. 

The Official Website of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav says its an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of it's people, culture and achievements. This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on 12th March 2021 which started a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of independence. The phrase Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav means elixir of energy of independence; elixir of inspirations of the warriors of freedom struggle; elixir of new ideas and pledges; and elixir of Aatmanirbharta. Therefore, this Mahotsav is a festival of awakening of the nation; festival of fulfilling the dream of good governance; and the festival of global peace and development. 

Veterans of Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter celebrated the 76^th Independence Day this year by being invited by various Schools and Colleges of Mumbai for their Flag hoisting besides doing the honour at their own societies….... A befitting ceremony was organised for Veteran Capt Rakesh Agrawala staying in Wadala by the residents of Bhakti Park. Our Committee member from Thane, Cdr Abhishek Kankan addressed the students of Singhania School Thane.  Cdr Nozar Engineer was invited by his Ville Parle Society to do the honours and educate the members on Submarine ops. Cdr AK Rastogi was invited for by Rotary Club for Flag Hoisting and Flagging off Eye Donation Awareness Car Rally at Borivali. Cdr SK Patnaik and Mrs Atasi Patnaik were both honoured as Chief Guests for the ceremony conducted by Powai English High School.

Har Ghar Tiranga

 Our relationship with the flag has always been more formal and than personal. Bringing the flag home collectively as a nation in the 75th year of independence thus become symbolic of not only an act of personal connection to the Tiranga but also an effort to nation-building. The idea behind the initiative was to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag.

 Meena Bakhshi Dutt , Sreshtha Dutta and I visited a few Veterans to share some glorious moments with them on the auspicious occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The recording is wonderfully compiled by Meena. Kindly double Click the link below to view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_maMIfpBr7c&ab_channel=MeenaDutta

  

BK SHROFF COLLEGE, KANDIVALI

To Celebrate the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,  Cdr Raj Dutta had been invited by Principal of BK Shroff college Kandivili, Dr Lily Bhushan, along with Meena Dutta, Anusuya Dutta and Sreshtha Dutta for their Flag hoisting. It was an unprecedented honour for us to share the Day with the students and staff of this elite institution run by KES (Kandivili Education Society) that was established in 1936 by the blessings of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The students and staff put in tremendous dedication and toiled hard for the spectacular show exhibited for the guests to marvel. The Program included wreath laying at 'Amar Jawan' memorial constructed at the KES grounds, NCC Guard and Parade inspection, NCC Song and address by Principal and dignitaries. This was followed by "Har Ghar Tiranga" song by tiny tots choreographed exceptionally well by their class teacher. The students under the guidance of NCC ANO Capt Mrunali Sawant, exhibited a spectacular Parade for the guests.

Naman to all the Freedom Fighters who struggled for our freedom, sacrificed their lives for a Free India....Naman to all the soldiers keeping our Borders secure...On behalf of President Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter and all Veterans and Veer Naris of Navy Foundation Raj wished the staff and students a very Happy Independence Day.

What a wonderful culmination of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav it was (or is it the Beginning...) (Photos at the bottom)

PARADE INSPECTION 

CONCLUDING PART OF SPEECH

ST FRANCIS INSTITUTE, BORIVALI

Cmde Ramesh Kumar attended the Independence Day celebrations of Azaadi ka amrit mahotsav at St Francis Institute of Management and Research Borivali West as Chief Guest. The program included a flag hoisting ceremony, cultural program and elocution competition. The Chief guest addressed the students and faculty on completion and gave away the prizes for the elocution competition. The occasion was marked by high spirits of the participants and the staff. The Institute has taken some excellent initiatives with focus on environment and social issues.

SINGHANIA SCHOOL, THANE

Cdr Abhishek Kankan, NM was invited as Chief Guest for the Independence Day function at Sunitidevi Singhania School, Thane. Following the flag hoisting, a cultural program (patriotic songs, dance and speeches) was presented by the students. Cdr Kankan addressed the teachers and students to do their duties with Josh and Jazba to make Bharat - 'Sone ki Chidiya ' again.

 Cdr Kankan  hoisted the flag and addressed Veterans, residents and children of Brahmand Society, Thane in presence of local Corporator. An Independence Day March of about 2 kms was undertaken  with Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai reverberating the air.

 POWAI ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL

Mrs Shirley Pillay invited Cdr-At-Arms SK Patnaik and Mrs Atasi Patnaik for the Independence Day ceremony in her Powai English High School. The school put up an interesting cultural programme after which Cdr Patnaik delivered an impressive address motivating the children to join the Armed Forces.

RYAN INTERNATIONAL, ANDHERI

 The Principal of Ryan International Global School Andheri, Mrs Saroj Anand invited our NFMC CM, Veer Nari Dr Kanta Mukherjee and Cdr Jasbir Singh for flag hoisting. Dr Kanta’s motivational talk inspired the Children to be honest citizens of our country. She enjoyed every moment in the company of young enthusiastic kids with radiant smiles. 

                   DR KANTA MUKHERJEE ADDRESSES  STUDENTS

 VIJAY ARMY SCHOOL

The Vijay Army School invited Cdr SK Jana for their Flag Hoisting function. Cdr Jana donated a large globe to the Commandant and the Principal for the benefit of the students of Vijay Army School who are aspiring to serve the nation.

 

NIRMALA HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, COIMBATORE 

Our NFMC outstation member, Capt S Siva Rama Krishna graced the occasion of Independence Day celebrations in Nirmala High School in Coimbatore. He was also invited by Residents welfare Society for Flag hoisting and prize distribution.

 ROTARY CLUB, BORIVALI

Cdr Alok Rastogi was pleasantly delighted to receive this letter of gratitude from the Rotarians.

 Please accept whole hearted acknowledgement and Appreciation for accepting our invitation and gracing the occasion of Flag hoisting and Flagging off Eye Donation Awareness Car Rally organized by our Eye bank on Independence Day. We always bow down to any army personnel for their service to country and this is the least we could do for your dedication.

 Your kind words of Motivation was really encouraging and everyone present were really moved. We would like you to spread message of Eye Donation to whoever you meet.

 On behalf of Chairman Rtn. Mayank Desai, Pres. Rtn. Premraj and entire family of Rotary Club of Borivli and Inner Wheel Club of Borivli, I am thankful to you for sparing your valuable time and do the honors.

 BHAKTI PARK

In the past 17yrs Capt Rakesh Agrawala has been doing the honors of Unfurling  the National Flag  and Hoisting  the Tricolour on 26th January Republic Day and 15th August  Independence day in his Society, Mt Everest and Mt Alps , in the garden of Bhakti Park  and 3rd place is the Club House function.

He distributes  sweets to poor children who come to the function and motivates them to join the Defence  Services.

He and his spouse Neera attend these functions regularly and are felicitated by the organisors. Jai Hind 🙏Vande Mataram

 DHUNBAI WADI, VILLE PARLE

   The Parsi Society Dhunbai Wadi invited Cdr Nozar Engineer for their Flag hoisting after which Cdr Engineer addressed the gathering and briefed them about his glorious moments in the Navy and the Submarine Arm.

SURG CAPT KM SHAH ANDHERI

   Surg Capt KM Shah celebrated the Amrit Mahotsav by hoisting the Flag at his Andheri Lokhandwala Society. It was double celebrations for the dynamic duo as his good lady  Mrs Daksha Shah celebrated her 75^th Birthday on 14^th Aug.  

SURG CAPT KAMAL & DAKSHA SHAH

 TRIVIA FROM OVERSEAS

YOGA FOR SCHOOLS: INS Sumedha is in the port of Fremantle, Australia 🇦🇺 for India's 75th Independence Day. The Commanding Officer and the officers of the ship came over to  our member of NFMC (Overseas from Perth) Capt Rajesh Mittal (01616-Y)(MUM-1143)  for High Tea. Mrs Praveena Mittal, coordinated for Ankit Kumar the Physical Training Instructor Of INS Sumedha to conduct a yoga class for the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCASA) of the government of Western Australia on the morning of 15^th Aug. This initiative is likely to trigger greater interest in yoga instructions in the public schools there.

 TARANGINI IN LONDON: Our senior NFMC Veteran VAdm Madan Jit Singh, PVSM, AVSM  (00614-W)(Retd)(MUM-0384), visited INS Tarangini in London on the 75 Anniv of Indian Independence.

 WNC CONDUCTS HERITAGE RUN

 Western Naval Command successfully conducted a unique Mumbai Heritage run 0n 12 Aug 2022, as part of the ongoing *Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav* being celebrated across the country to mark the 75th Anniv of Indian Independence.

 The run started from Kalaghoda, went around GPO, CSTM, Flora Founrain, Churchgate, Marine Drive, Mantralaya and terminated at Gateway of India. The heritage run was open to public besides serving and retired personnel. A large number of NFMC Veterans participated inculding 74 yrs young Cmde Biman Mistry from Thane.

 Our NFMC Veteran and Colaba Committee member Cdr Dinesh Rai.NM (02726-W)(Retd)(NFMC- MUM 0702), 59 yrs, made NFMC proud by finishing Second in the above 56 yrs category in the 10 kms run. His spouse Mrs Archana Rai and daughter Ms Sakshi also participated. Kudos to WNC for a well conducted event.

 BANGLADESH CONSULATE PROGRAM

Dep High Commissioner of Bangladesh H.E. Mr Chiranjib Sarkar invited a few Veterans and spouses at 1100 hrs on 15 Aug for our Independence Day / Bangladesh’s Martyrs Day prog in Taj President (Vivanta), Cuff Parade. The program included reading out of President / PM msgs and screening of Liberation documentary followed by delectable Buffet Lunch topped up with sweet Halwa and Kulfi. The Master of Ceremony was the elegant Ms Pooja Shinde. 

The ethos and passion for patriotism that was visible during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, is reflective of the glorious future that our country is blessed with. Together we shall ensure.

Sam No Varunah

Jai Hind. 

PRINCIPAL  MS SAROJ ANAND & DR KANTA MUKHERJEE

VIDEOS

👇👇👇

WREATH LAYING DY HC BANGLADESH

About the Author

Commander Rajinder Dutta (Retd) has been a Naval Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor with about 3000 hrs of flying on various fixed wing Aircraft of Indian Navy, viz HT-2, HPT-32, Kirans, Islander, Super Connie, Fokker F-27 and IL-38.

 He is the Hon Secy of NFMC, a Master of Ceremonies and an avid blogger.    http://rajdutta26.blogspot.com/