NFMC CELEBRATIONS - REPUBLIC DAY 2025
CELEBRATIONS AT AMAR JAWAN
When a few like-minded Veterans assemble and bond together on a National Day, the euphoria created by them is bound to be priceless. It happened at 6 pm on 26th Jan 2025 at Mary Immaculate School Junction, Borivali (West), where about 9 Naval Veteran couples and 1 Veer Nari with her daughters converged to celebrate 76th Republic Day and pay their 8th Anniv homage to the ‘Amar Jawan’ monument, resurrected by Veteran Lt Shreekant Bhende. The 26 JAN WhatsApp group of members has been meeting every year on National Days.
GENESIS
Lt Bhende shifted to this location 12 yrs ago and noticed a dilapidated old statue peeping through the tall grass and plants on a traffic island, with its helmet missing and the gun in tatters. A pathetic sight it was and an insult to martyrs. Lt Bhende decided to restore its glory. But getting the requisite permission through the maze of municipal bureaucracy was a difficult task. He approached the municipal Commissioner who verbally approved the request to erect the ‘Amar Jawan’ monument. Lt Bhende then restored this monument by durable weather resistant FRP, that had been his lifeline for 22 yrs after his retirement. The monument was finally erected by Lt Bhende, and inaugurated by RAdm RM Bhatia, President NFMC, in the presence of RAdm S Mahindru (FOMA), Cdr Vijay Vadhera, Secy of the Foundation and other Veterans of the Navy on 07 Apr 2017, eight yrs ago.
26 JAN 2025
The 26-Jan Whatsapp group Veterans, spouses and Veer Naris of Amar Jawan Borivali met at 6 pm on Republic Day to pay respects to the soldiers KIA during our wars. Apart from Lt Shrikant and Mrs Indira Bhende, other members seen reveling at the monument were Cdr & Mrs KK Kutty, Cdr & Mrs Peter Saldana, Cdr & Mrs VS Shukla, Cdr & Mrs HC Medha, Cdr Rajinder & Meena Dutta, Col & Mrs Unni, Cdr Rajeshwari Kori, Cdr Sandeep Shrivastava, GpCapt Yogesh Pai, Veer Nari Manjula Roye & Daughters Shormita and Shubhanjali.
Gp Capt Pai, announced the wreath laying by Veer Nari Manjula Roye; Everyone saluted as the last post was played by Pai. The meet and greet ceremony, the wreath laying, presentation and photography lasted half an hour after which the group moved to Mary Emmaculate School where some Veterans and Veer Naris recounted their episodes from their Life in the Navy. Raj requested Cdr Medha for a Song, that he willingly obliged with ‘Phoolon ke rang se’ followed by a song by VN Manjula Maam, Shubhanjali and Shormita. The dinner to follow organised by Lt Bhende was delectable and sumptuous.
Veteran GpCapt Yogesh Pai had been the Right hand of Lt Bhende right from planning to execution of this Grand Affair. BZ Yogesh, you make us proud.
Dosto,
Shaheedon ki chittaon pe har baras lagenge mele,
Watan par mitne walon ka yehi Akiri nisan hoga.
CELEBRATIONS AT SAMATA VIDYA MANDIR KANDIVILI
Mr Kailash Doke, a Science Teacher of Samata Vidya Mandir Kandivali requested me (Cdr Raj Dutta) to the Flag hoist ceremony at their School on 26 Jan. Meena and I reached the School at sharp 7:25 and were greeted by Mr Kailash and both Principals of Marathi and Hindi Medium Schools of Samata Vidya Mandir. We were escorted to the Office where we met Ms Prajakta Samant, the Chairperson of the School and her Mother. We all were escorted to the School ground, where children welcomed us in the traditional manner. I requested Prajakta and Meena to assist me in unfurling the Flag as the National Anthem was played. We garlanded the frames of Shivaji Maharaj and our freedom fighters after which there was welcoming of Dignitaries by the School Staff by the traditional Bouquets and mementos. The extended Cultural Program by students to follow was exceptional. Each item better than the previous one. The Songs, Dances, gymnastics, Dumbells, Jalianwala Baug skit, the Lazium show for Shivaji stole everyones Heart. I singled out their performances and appreciated the unstinted efforts of teachers and students to bring out this marvelous show. After the Photo session we were taken for the High Tea. It was heartening to see that the Principals and teachers came out to see us off. A fantastic Day had been made and begun, for another gettogether in the evening at the Amar Jawan Monument.
CELEBRATIONS AT ST FRANCIS BORIVALI WEST
Surg Capt KM Shah was invited by Br Wilfred, Principal of St Francis Borivali West for the Republic Day Ceremony. Says Surg Capt Shah, “Very good program put up by the students. Interacted with the Principal, staff & students. Very courteous. In my talk as the Chief guest I first asked who is the Supreme commander of our Defence forces. One student answered. I also elaborated on Preamble of our Constitution. Soul of our constitution. Indicating Principles of Socialist Sovereign democratic republic with justice liberty fraternity equality etc. I also advised them to be discrete in use of gazettes. Told them about the Theme of AI and education preserving human agency and ethos in the world of automation. Explained in detail the importance of Discipline and Anushashan. Jaihind.”
CELEBRATIONS AT SOPHIA SCHOOL
The Principal of Sophia School ( ICSE), Ms Reena invited Veteran Cdr Sandeep Shrivastava for the Republic Day Flag hoist ceremony. They welcomed him with guards escorting for the March past. As Cdr Sandeep unfurled the national flag, Rashtiya Gaan was played live on Casio by students. A Prayer service was held for the well being of everyone on the earth and for Nation in particular. Spectacular performances were put up by students including Dance on patriotic song medley, Pyramid making performance etc followed by a short talk by the Chief Guest, Cdr Sandeep, followed by School Anthem and Vote of thanks.After the program there was a photo session with all teachers, followed by High-Tea.
CELEBRATIONS AT ST LAWRENCE HS KANDIVALI EAST
Senior War Veteran, Cdr HC Medha graced the occasion of Republic Day celebrations as St Lawrence High School Kandivali East by unfurling their Flag. He also graced the Tree plantation event and shared his experiences of the War with children. The School was blessed by his presence , conveyed by Ms Jyoti who had facilitated his visit (Photos and Video below)
CELEBRATIONS AT KES KANDIVILI (WEST)
Our NFMC Veteran Cdr Pratap Mehta, an eminent Author graced the Flag hoist ceremony of KES group of Schools in Kandivali West. After the Flag unfurling and marchpast review, Cdr Mehta motivated the students with inspiring stories. The Principal, teachers and students felt blessed to have invited him. (Pics and Videos below)
CELEBRATIONS AT BHAKTI PARK WADALA
Capt Rakesh Agrawala resident of Bhakti Park says, “Mt.Everest & Alps had the Tricolour Unfurling at 0930 hrs in our society. As always since last 20 years , I tied the Flag on top of the Flag pole . At 0930 we all assembled & I & my wife Unfurled the Flag. I made the small children stand with me for the ceremony. After the National Anthem ,my wife and me were seated on the dias and made our speeches. Children & Ladies sang Patriotic songs , sweets were distributed & function was over by 1030. After this I went to the Municipal BMC garden where again first I tied the National Flag on top of the Flag pole. The ladies of Bhakti Park run an NGO to teach poor children , these children performed songs , dances & skits to show their skills for celebration of our Republic day. Some ladies also sang Patriotic songs. This was done after I Unfurled the Flag, sang the National Anthem. The function was attended by more than 100 children and 200 Residents of whole Bhakti Park Wadala East Enclave. Snacks ,soft drinks , water were served to all. The function was over by 1200 hrs. Both the National Flags were were lowered by Sunset.”
CELEBRATIONS AT JHANSI
Our NFMC member Cmde VS Babeley in Jhansi, was invited by Bundelkhand Univ for a talk to the students on the eve of the Republic Day.
CDR (DR) BHUSHAN DEWAN
Our eminent NFMC member Cdr (Dr) Bhushan Dewan was invited by a few TV Channels to air his views on the occasion. He participated in a TV discussion on India News network on the 76th Bharat Republic Day. Whereas in the evening he was Keynote speaker on the 76th Republic Day celebration of Lions Club at Terapanth Hall, Thakur Complex, Kandivali (East) -- where Cdr Bhushan Dewan & Dr Mrs Ranjna Dewan were invited Guests of Honor.
CELEBRATIONS AT MIRA ROAD
Cdr GB Singh laid wreath at the Mira Road War Memorial and did the Flag unfurling at his Mira Road colony. (Photos and Vid below)
CELEBRATIONS AT AGATTI ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP
Cdr Vijay Vadhera, after successfully overseeing the Veterans Day celebrations in January 2025, decided to take a well-deserved break and holiday with his family in the serene Lakshadweep Islands. The islands of Kavaratti, Agatti, and Bangaram, poised to become a tourist paradise rivaling the Maldives in the coming years, provided the perfect getaway. As a guest of the CinC, the Commanding Officer of INS Dweeprakshak had informed the local administration of Cdr Vadhera’s visit, highlighting his distinction as a 1971 War Veteran. In recognition of his service, Cdr Vadhera was invited as the Guest of Honour at the Republic Day Parade. Upon his arrival, he received the formal invitation to the event. The Republic Day celebrations were a grand affair. The local administrator, Mr. Praful Gowda Patel, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from marching contingents of the Navy, Coast Guard, Police, CRPF, and NCC. The highlight of the parade was the display of three beautifully curated tableaus, which captivated the audience. After the event, Mr. Patel expressed gratitude to Cdr Vadhera for gracing the occasion and acknowledged the vital presence of the Navy in ensuring the safety and security of the Lakshadweep Islands. Cdr Vadhera returned from the trip with a heart full of nostalgic memories—scuba diving, snorkeling, and enjoying the cool Arabian Sea breeze. It was a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and patriotic pride, making the holiday truly unforgettable.
Sam No Varunah
Jai Hind
PHOTOS
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