CELEBRATING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

To a super woman

Your worth is not in the things you do
Your worth lies in your care and through
You go beyond your limit in life
You are so strong from inside
You sacrifice for that one smile
You are there for people you love all the while
You are a true woman of substance
And a big salute to you in life
Happy women's day to you!
Being so pure and true!...Unknown

08 March is celebrated globally as International Women's Day (IWD) to bring to light the Women’s rights movement in issues such as gender equality  and violence and abuse against women. It is commemorated in a variety of ways worldwide; it is a public holiday in several countries, and observed to celebrate and promote the achievements of women. Women who have excelled in various fields are rewarded by Governments and local organisations.

 Two of our own Super Ladies from Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter were bestowed this unique honour on Women’s Day 2023. While Alankar Creation, an Institution of Arts, Culture and Music of Mumbai felicitated NFMC’s Veer Naris Mentor, the graceful Dr Kanta Mukherjee at Juhu’s ISCKON Auditorium on Friday 10 Mar;  the Rotary Club of Bombay bestowed the honour to the dynamic Veteran LtCdr Rajeshwari Kori the next evening 11 Mar at the Rooftop of Trident, Nariman Point. Before we move on to presentation of Awards, it would be prudent for the reader to glance at the enviable and brilliant profile the two dynamic young Ladies are blessed with.  

 

DR KANTA MUKHERJEE

Dr (Capt) Kanta Mukherjee, 75 yrs, is a Social reformer, a renowned environmental enthusiast and a Veer Nari with a Vision.

Having graduated in dental surgery, from Mumbai in 1968 and internship in Willingdon and Safdarjung Hospital's burns department in Delhi, She Joined Army Dental corps in January 1971 and treated soldiers with facial and jaw casualties during the 1971 War. She displayed tremendous courage in expeditious surgery and care of soldiers being brought in from War zones to Base hospital, Delhi Cantt. She was later posted to Army Dental Centre Panjim in 1972 and gave cover to all Army centers around.

She Got married in 1972 at Goa, to a Naval Doctor, Late VAdm HP Mukherjee (former Director General Medical Services (NAVY)). After quitting service in January 1976, She started private practice at Dimapur where Admiral Mukherjee was then posted with Border Roads. After Nagaland She has practiced in Mumbai, then Cochin, back to Mumbai at Kemps corner and Hughes road. Finally shifted to her own residence at Versova in February 1989.

Not one to rest on her past laurels, She involved herself in upliftment of Society. She is a renowned social worker and an environmentalist of Andheri and Juhu and has solved all local issues of water, sanitation, upkeep of roads, illegal encroachments and beautification of surroundings. She involved herself extensively working for removal of encroachment and beautification of area under “Saaf Aangan Scheme” of BMC. Her Contribution to welfare of handicapped and providing free dental treatment to poor in the area, has been appreciated by BMC Commissioner in various forums.

She formed an NGO (Access Smile Foundation) to treat children born with birth defect of cleft lip and cleft palate. During COVID times in the past two years, her NGO supplied Smart COVID OPDs to all the government hospitals in Mumbai for protection of doctors working on COVID patients. This noble gesture deservedly was much appreciated by the fraternity of health care workers.

She had shifted to Versova along with her husband about 30 yrs ago. Their building is next to the mangroves. Her heart used to cry seeing the people cutting and destroying the mangroves for fire wood and used to stop them. Although she tried to teach them the importance of Mangroves in helping against soil erosion, it fell on deaf ears of locals. One fine morning she was horrified to see all the mangroves in front of the building cut down to stumps. It sent shockwaves to all the residents and that was the beginning of her participation in environmental activities of her Area. High Court was moved and mangroves of Versova area were saved by erecting a fence along the 2 km stretch of the mangroves. A Social Worker with a difference She is regarded as the “Durga” of her area. On the occasion of 75^th Independence Day of India, ‘Hindi Academy’ decided to honour prominent Veterans of Mumbai by the Governor of Maharashtra, H.E. Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari. The Academy felicitated Dr Kanta Mukherjee with the Award of Matrubhoomi Bhushan Samman 2021, for relentlessly serving the Society. 

She is also an active Committee Member of the NFMC (Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter), largest of the 17 Chapters Pan India with over 1300 Naval Veterans and Veer Naris. Despite being a Senior Veer Nari herself, she has been looking after the welfare of all Veer Naris of NFMC whole heartedly. She is a worthy mentor to them and not only facilitates the Armed Forces Veer Naris pension formalities, but additionally provides them moral and social support by visiting them often.

 

LTCDR RAJESHWARI KORI

Rajeshwari (Raju) started her career in the short service commission in the logistics branch in 1995. She figures in the Limca Book of Records as the first Lady Officer to be posted to a Front Line Indian Naval Warship, INS Jyoti. She was born on 16 Sep 1973 at Bagalkot Karnataka. During her childhood her Dad, Late LtCdr Gangadhar Sangappa Kori (Regulating Branch) had named her ‘Raju’ and ever since she has been in the forefront of all activities that she undertook. Her mother Late Veer Nari Kashibai Kori had been a Principal of a Junior college, later a teacher in KVs. Raju studied in convent schools in Vizag / Port Blair and KV Colaba before graduating with Distinction in Commerce from Bhosla Military College Nasik in 1994. 30 Nov 1995 was a momentous occasion for her Mother, when she pipped stripes on her daughter’s slender shoulders at INS Mandovi. During her Naval career, she tied the knot with a Naval Constructor Cdr Sandeep Kumar and is blessed with two beautiful Daughters Aditi & Divya. Both her kids are as brilliant and bubbly as their mother. She retired in 2010 and has settled in Powai. Her passions in life include running marathons and long distance cycling and trekking. Post retirement she joined Home Guards Mumbai and had a tenure at Raigarh, Maharashtra as Commandant Civil Defence as a Senior staff & Training. She has been rendering yeoman’s service to marooned people in remote areas during disasters. During the recent floods in the coastal Maharashtra she with her team, worked in conjunction with the  Naval Divers for rescue efforts of marooned villagers. She has been awarded on a number of occasions by Government and Private agencies. She has  been felicitated for her achievements at Pune by Cmde PK Malhotra, President NFPC, three years ago.   

PRESENTATION AT JUHU

Dr Kanta Mukherji’s beautiful and proficient daughter Dr Sonali Bharti, a Dentist by profession, accompanied her adorable mother for the scintillating Awards ceremony at the ISKCON Auditorium and it was a proud moment for her too. She had been mighty impressed by the show.

 She says, “Dr. Kanta Mukherjee was invited by Ex Chairman, ward committee -MCGM and Alankar Creation Trustee for receiving the prestigious ‘Wonder Women Awards 2023’ at 7pm on 10 Mar. Alankar creation and Nari Shaktikaran Sanstha awarded women who have shown their significant and tireless contribution in their respective fields of work. She received the award from the Chief guest Shri Ameet Satam (MLA & Maha Mantri), Bindiya Goswami (film actress) and many eminent personalities.

 It was a funfilled musical evening with various dance performances and the highlight was hindi film industry play back singer Sanjeevani Bhilande singing her famous movie and album songs in her extremely melodious voice.”

PRESENTATION AT TRIDENT, NARIMAN POINT

 International Women's Day was celebrated in Mumbai by the Rotary Clubs organizing a special event to honour 15 special women from different categories, each receiving a "Shakti Award" for an outstanding achievement or exemplary service to society.  Among the distinguished Award Winners the two show stealers, who marvelled at the stage were Ms Vidya Balan (Performing Arts - Cinema) and our very own LtCdr Rajeshwari Kori (Armed Services).

 Others who were also awarded in various fields of expertise were : Ms. Amla Ruia (Social Innovator), Ms. Geeta Chouhan (Parasports), Ms. Monisha Narke (Environment & Sustainability), Ms. Nikita Raut (Differently Abled Professionals),  Ms. Anahita Uberoi (Performing Arts - Theatre), Ms. Jayashri Burman (Artist), Ms. Nandita Venkatesan (Journalist), Ms. Nina Sabnani (Filmmaker),  Dr. (Sr.) Aquinas Edassery (Medical Frontline Worker), Ms. Khursid Mistry (Sports), Dr. Neerja Birla (Education), Ms. Punam Pradeep Kumar (Scientist), and Ms. Vidya Shah (Philanthropist).

 The Chief Guest for the evening  was Mr Frank Geerkens, Counsel General of Belgium.

 LtCdr Rajeshwari Kori says, "As an awardee I was impressed and humbled to attend this special event and to listen to the life stories of those remarkable women. A big Thank you to the Presidents of the three hosting Rotary clubs: Ms. Els Reynaers, Mr. Vineet Bhatnagar, and Ms. Saroj Verma, for organizing this extraordinary first-time event."

 

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On behalf of President NFMC and all Veterans and Veer Naris, here’s wishing the two strong and brilliant Pillars of NFMC Dr Kanta Mukherjee and LtCdr Rajeshwari Kori many congratulations for the honour bestowed. May your brilliance radiate far and wide inspiring us to tread on your footsteps.

 

Sam No Varunah

Jai Hind

(Double click the video and finger zoom for comfortable view)

SNAPS DR KANTA MUKHERJEE

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THE AWARD CEREMONY

DR KANTA MUKHERJEE &

DAUGHTER DR SONALI BHARTI

DR KANTA MUKHERJEE

  

SNAPS LTCDR RAJESHWARI KORI

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LT CDR RAJESHWARI KORI

MS VIDYA BALAN

THE 15 AWARDEES 

WITH CONSUL GEN BELGIUM

 

 

 

CINC’s  GOLFING  OUT

The establishment is abuzz with a flurry of activities during the month preceding the Commander-in-Chief of a Command hanging his boots. The CO’s of establishments bee-line his Staff Officer for an evening convenient to the Admiral for a farewell Dining out at the former’s Ship/ Establishment. Golfing out is a sought after event for the C-in-C, with a love for the White ball game on the lush expansive greens.  

 

Materials Organisation (Mumbai) volunteered to shoulder the Organisation and conduct of MO(Mbi) Invitational Golf Cup 2023 and Golfing out of VAdm Ajendra Bahadur Singh, PVSM,AVSM,VSM, ADC, FOCinC(W)/ Patron, US Club, on 25 and 26 Feb 23 (morning session on each day), followed by Prize distribution / Golfing out ceremony, PLD and Lunch at 1230 hrs on the second day at US Club lawns. Cdr Salin George was tasked to prepare the lists of the Participants (both serving and retired) and all other arrangements in coordination with US Club. The irony is that the lists for the two days was not finalised till the Tee-offs both days, with last minute drop-outs and amendments. Nightmarish for Salin for the last few days as his phone never stopped ringing. There was an overwhelming response from the serving and Veterans and the 80 slots for each day were oversubscribed and a few keen golfers had to forgo the prized tournament.   

 

THE TOURNAMENT

On both days the US Club Golf fairways were abuzz during the forenoon with white balls flying around and some golfers ducking at the shouts of “Ball !!”. On the first day 80 golfers played their round of 18 holes and competed for the Max drive (6^th Tee), closest to Pin(11^th Tee) and closest to centreline(9^th Tee).  On 26^th early morning the prime four Ball were VAdm AB Singh, our CinC, LtGen HS Kahlon (GOC M&G), VAdm K Swaminathan (COS) and VAdm R Swaminathan (DGNP), who Tee’d off from Tee No 1 at the Gun shot at 7 am, together with all other foursomes from Tees 2 to 18. Prior to this the golfers started congregating at the club from 6 am, fetching caddies from Caddy master & registering at the reporting counter. On arrival of CinC, the Golf Sec briefed the Golfers and read out the rules, specified the OB areas and wished the Golfers happy golfing. After Tea/Coffee the golfers proceeded to the respective Tees for the Gun shot Tee offs.

At 1130 hrs Chip and Put had been organised for couples at the T Six lawns, where merry golfers cheered the participants at the artificial green mat, as the husbands chipped and their ladies put. LtCdr Shailja kept their scores to decide the winners. It was a grand meet & greet festival and it was a pleasure interacting with Senior officers and Veterans who had come from all corners of Mumbai. Apart from the serving golfers there were many Senior Veterans who had been invited too, viz VAdm MJ Singh, VAdm P Jaitley, VAdm SKK Krishnan, VAdm Girish Luthra, VAdm AR Karve, LtGen Jagbir Singh, Air Mrsl AP Garud, Maj Gen Atul Mehra, RAdm CS Rao, RAdm AK Saxena, AVM Rajat Mohan(AOC MAO), Brig TK Sinha, Cmde Mike Bhada, Cmde BK Ahluwalia, Cmde VIS Bal, Cmde PS Sahi, Cmde RS Arshi, Cmde Ramesh Kumar and a few younger Veterans too. Besides 3 offrs from the sister service, Coast Guard also participated : DIG Rajesh Makwana, DIG Atul Joshi & DIG Sudhir Sahni. The Golf course wore a charming look with 11 ladies too swinging their clubs on the white ball for two days : Mrs Jyoti Singh, Mrs Jayana Kalpesh Rawal, Mrs Pramila Rakhi Ram, Mrs Priti Chopra, Mrs Manita Singh, Mrs Srilakshmi Tummala, Mrs Seema Singh, Mrs Shanta Rao, Mrs Jyoti Shah, Mrs Ankita Kishore and Mrs Poornima BS. (The list of 160 participants is placed below)

At this point in time it would be prudent for the reader to glance at the enviable profile that our CinC and Patron is blessed with.

 

VADM AB SINGH,PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, FOCINC WNC   

Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh assumed the duties as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Western Naval Command on 01 Dec 21. An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011. Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2016 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022 for his exemplary service to the nation.

The Flag Oficer has served on a large number of operational naval ships. He was the Navigating officer of INS Kamorta (during OP PAWAN), and Destroyer Ranjit, besides being the Fleet Navigating Officer of Western Fleet during Op PARAKRAM.

All four operational commands of the Flag Officer have been of ships based at Mumbai. These include Indian Naval Ships Veer (Missile Vessel), Vindhyagii (Frigate). Trishul (Guided Missile Frigate) and Viraat (Aircraft Carier). He has also been an instructor at the National Defence Academy at Pune, Navigation & Direction School at Kochi and Directing Staff at Defence Services Staff College Wellington. VAdm Ajendra Bahadur Singh was also the Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command from Jan 18 to May 19. He is one of the very few officers who has the unique distinction of being the C-in-C of both operational Commands of the Indian Navy.

The Flag Officer is married to Mrs Charu Singh and the couple are blessed with two daughters, Ambika and Ajita.

PRESENTATION CEREMONY

 The presentation ceremony was a grand affair. The program was well compered by MCs LtCdr Tanu and Lt Deep Sodhi. The CinC, GOC, COS, DGNP and Mrs Charu Singh gave away the prizes to the Winners, which was followed by farewell speeches recounting the progress of the Golf course during the Parton’s tenure. Indeed the proof was visible in the from of lush green fairways and greens. The Golf Committee had been fabulous and the MO organizers with Cmde Gokul Dutta leading from the front had ensured all nitty-gritties were looked into to make the golfers comfortable and pampered during the Golf and the ceremony thereafter.  The delectable elaborate multicuisine Lunch was served at two separate enclosures, topped with mouthwatering desserts : cakes, Kulfi and Faluda. Three cheers to the Kunjali Naval Band who in their dashing attire had regaled the audience even as  Cdr Dhillon sang the ‘Chalte Chalte’ song in honour of our CinC and the good lady Mrs Charu Singh.   A predeparture visit to the Panwala was a must, who served the edible leaf with assortments of your choice.  

 

MO Golf Cup 2023 winners

Gross / overall - Cdr GPS Dhillon

Gross Runner Up - Cmde Aditya Hara

Net winner - Col Arun Shukla

Net runner up - Cdr VV Pylla

Ladies net winner - Mrs Srilakshmi Tummala

Longest Drive - Rear Adm Mahesh Singh

Closest to Pin - Cdr PS Rawat

Straightest Drive - Cdr V Puranik

Max birdies - Capt Boyiri Varma

Max Pars - Cdr V Goswami

ORGANISERS 

The Golfers were indeed amazed by the conduct of the Tournament and the associated Happy Hours organised later. Kudos to the team of M.O.(MB), who deserve a big round of applause : Capt Harshad Patil, Capt Hari Nair, Capt Anup Joe, Cdr Salin George, Cdr MK Sharma, Cdr N Kapil Singh, Cdr Pranav Joshi, Lt Cdr Shailja, Lt Cdr Shabaz, LtCdr Avinash Babu, Lt Cdr D Bhattacharjee & Lt Mandanna. (MCs- LtCdr Tanu & Lt Deep Sodhi)

 

The two days of Feb : 25^th and 26^th Feb were a grand exuberant affair for the Naval golfing community at the US Club, exceptionally well organized by MO(MB) for Golfing-out our Commander-in-Chief, well captured by NFMC photographer Meena Dutta and the Naval Photographer from Cd Photo Sec, to be reflected back in footprints of time to come.   

 

Sam No Varunah

Jai Hind

(Please double click the videos and finger zoom for comfortable view)

   You-tube Video Link (Meena Dutta)

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

   

SNAPS

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/