77th INDEPENDENCE DAY 2023
Har Ghar Tiranga
Our relationship with the flag has always been more formal than personal. Bringing the flag home collectively as a nation on Independence Day thus has 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. Albeit we as a country have flourished in this concept.
In the past few years, there has been a colossal shift of perception and respect towards Veterans in the eyes of our citizens, since inception of Veterans Day (14 Jan 2017) catalysed by the 2 Veterans Day Parades (2020 and 2023) organised by Cdr Vijay Vadhera on Marine drive. The result is evident by the fact that Principals of Schools & Colleges and Societies are seeking to invite Veterans as Chief Guests for their National Day celebrations.
Veterans of Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter celebrated the 77th Independence Day this year too by 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. Cdr Bhushan Dewan was the Chief Guest at Upwan CHS, Malad East, Mumbai. Cmde VK Vaid was felicitated by DK Flag Foundations Powai. Cdr Nozar Engineer was invited by his BoB GM for inaugurating their special Remembrance Day Exhibition. Dr Kanta Mukherjee was invited as Chief Guest at Sri Rajasthani Seva Sangh’s SB College and Green Soc Foundation in Chakala, Andheri for Flag hoisting and Tree plantation on 14 Aug. Residents of JVV Powai celebrated the Independence Day in Style.
ST LAWRENCE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, BORIVALI
To Celebrate the 77th Independence Day, Cdr Raj Dutta and Meena had been invited by the Director, St Lawrence Institute of Management, Borivali West, Dr Shalini Sinha, for their Flag hoisting. We were welcomed by the Chairman Bro. Alphonse Nesamony and the Director along with Prof Ramesh. It was an honour for us to share the Day with the students and staff of this elite institution. The students and staff put in tremendous dedication for the spectacular show for the guests to marvel in the Institute’s Auditorium after the Flag hoisting and National Anthem at the Playground. The Program included short talks by students and patriotic songs. The Tiranga Dance by students received standing ovation in infusing the patriotic fervor.
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.
After wheeling out of the College we visited Lt Srikant Bhende and Mrs Indira staying close-by to wish them before returning home. Enroute we marveled at a great day organised superbly by the Institute.
ST LAWRENCE HIGH SHOOL, KANDIVILI
Cdr Om Prakash Bhandari and his good Lady Subhashini Bhandari had bben invited as Chief Guests to grace the Independence Day at St Lawrence High School Kandivali East, which was celebrated with great enthusiasm and respect. The school had been decorated with tricolor saffron, white and green balloons and flags welcomed all guests to the function.
In his Address Cdr Bhandari mentioned that Independence Day is a momentous occasion that holds a special place in the hearts of every citizen. It commemorates the hard-fought struggle and sacrifices of our ancestors who secured our nation's freedom. As we gather in our school to celebrate this significant day, we come together to honor our history, express our patriotism, and foster a sense of unity among students, teachers, and staff.
ST LOUIS SCHOOL, DAHISAR
Cdr and Mrs Peter Saldanha were invited to be the Chief Guest at the 77 Independence day celebrations at St Louis School, Dahisar. After the flag hoisting ceremony there was a cultural programme put up by students of Primary and Secondary sections. The theme of the celebration was, "India, a cultural kaleidoscope". A skit, dance and historical tableau were some of the items presented by the students. Cdr Saldanha then addressed the gathering on the occasion of 77 th Independence day.
ST FRANCIS SCHOOL, BORIVALI
It was a matter of honor & privilege for GpCapt Yogesh Pai to be invited as the Chief Guest for the Independence Day function at St Francis School, Borivali. The students put up a brilliant performance after which he addressed the August gathering of students, parents, teachers & staff of this prestigious school. It was a memorable experience for all present.(Pics below)
SB COLLEGE, ANDHERI
Our Committee Member and Mentor for Veer Naris, Dr Kanta Mukherjee, spouse of Late Surg VAdm HP Mukherjee, was invited as Chief Guest at Sri Rajasthani Seva Sangh’s SB College and Green Soc Foundation in Chakala, Andheri for Flag hoisting and Tree plantation on 14 Aug. (Pics below)
BOB PARTITION EXHIBITION, BKC
Bank of Baroda observes 14 Aug as "Partition Horrors Remembrance Day" to bring to light the agony, sufferings and pain of millions of people who were the sufferers of partition. It is to remind the citizens about the largest displacement of human population in the last century, which also claimed the lives of a large number of people. In this context, an exhibition was organized by the Bank at its Corporate Office in BKC, Mumbai. The Bank invited our NFMC Committee Member, Cdr Nozar Engineer as Guest of Honour to inaugurate the exhibition and be a part of this solemn moment. (Pics below)
JVV, POWAI
All families at Jal Vayu Vihar Powai joined up sharp 9 AM for the flag Ceremony. Ladies in splendid colors, kids dressed as best. At 9 am flag was hoisted by Mrs Tripathi wife of Commander Niranjan Tripathi. This was followed up with snacks and tea for all present. All elders graced the occasion. Every year this is the most eagerly awaited function, with 100% attendance. Rain Gods were kind to keep the function Sunny & Cheerful !!
The event was coordinated by Veteran Cdr Anil Bakshi, former Fighter Pilot of Navy. The Veterans who graced the event with families : Cmde Prabhakar, Cdr Shakti S Das, Cdr Thakkar, Cdr J Randhawa, Cdr DS Randhawa, Cdr Mehta, Cdr Lalit Kumar, Wg Cdr Taneja, Cdr Nair, Wg Cdr Nijjar & LtCdr Shukhdev Singh and many others.
GOLDEN WILLOWS, MULUND
Golden Willows Society, Mulund West invited Capt SS Sethi as Chief Guest for the Flag hoisting in their Society cluster. The members of the Society including Ladies and Children turned up in big numbers to celebrate the Independence Day . The Patriotic’ Desh Bhakti ‘ songs had ensured a charged atmosphere and ensured a motivational effect on the young generation. A great inspiration for them towards Love for the Nation.
BHAKTI PARK
Capt Rakesh Agrawala has been doing the honors of hoisting the Tricolour on the National days in his Society, Mt Everest and Mt Alps, in the garden of Bhakti Park for the past 20 yrs.
He distributes sweets to poor children who come to the function and motivates them to join the Defence Services.
MANTRALAYA FLAG HOISTING
Mantralaya had invited Gallantry Awardees for Flag hoisting by Chief Minister followed by High Tea. Veterans Capt Sanjay Karve, NM(G), Cdr Dilip Baijal, NM(G) and Cdr Dinesh Rai, NM (G) were present amongst other dignitaries. The CM on arrival shook hands with Veterans and senior officers of the 3 services prior to hoisting the Tricolour and delivering the Independence Day speech.
WNC CONDUCTS HERITAGE RUN
Western Naval Command successfully conducted a unique Mumbai Heritage run 0n 06 Aug 2022, as part of the *Amrit Mahotsav* being celebrated across the country to mark the 77th Anniv of Indian Independence.
The run started from Kalaghoda, went around GPO, CSTM, Flora Fountain, Church-gate, 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,
Our NFMC Veteran and Colaba Committee member Cdr Dinesh Rai, NM (02726-W)(Retd)(NFMC- MUM 0702), 59 yrs, made NFMC proud by finishing Third overall in the 10 kms run. His spouse Mrs Archana Rai and Ms Shrishti also participated.
Kudos to WNC for a well conducted event.
INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY IN TORONTO, CANADA
The Consul General of India in Toronto honoured the Indian Armed Forces veterans (Varishtha Yoddha) on the Independence Day celebrations on 16 Aug 2023 and felicitated the Senior most Veteran RAdm Rajinder Singh, AVSM, NM, VSM. (Pics below)
❤ WISHING ALL THE VETERANS AND VEER NARIS A GREAT INDEPENDENCE DAY 2023.
SAM NO VARUNAH
JAI HIND
