VETERANS DAY AT SEA-2026
True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. -- Arthur Ashe
A dictum by Arthur Ashe is reflective of the ethos and values ingrained that Veterans live by. And this ethos, we perceive, needs hard selling to our citizen friends of Mumbai and ultimately entire India. Having perceived the Big picture, Cdr Vijay Vadhera, President NFMC has conducted 4 Veterans Day Parades on Marine drive since 2020 and the 5th is planned on Sun 11 Jan 2026 at the same venue. The concept of Veterans Day Parade has generated tremendous inarguable response amongst not only the Veterans of all the three services but the Mumbai Police, the SCC cadets and enthusiastic mumbaikars as well.
On 16 Dec The President NFMC along with Secy and Treasurer Officially called on the CinC at WNC for a presentation on NFMC activities. CAPO informed of the planned ‘Families Day at Sea’ scheduled for 04th Jan 2026. WNC sent invitations to a few Veterans and spouses to board INS Mormugao berthed at ‘A’ Jetty on Cruiser wharf by 5.30 am.
I wheeled out of our Borivali home, with Meena and Anushri at 4:15. Enroute we picked up Mrs Mukti Ghosh at Kandivali, drove along the coastal road; through the Peddar Road tunnel and reached Tiger gate in less than an hour. Cdr Surinder-Gurinder were already present to be joined by Cdr & Mrs MS Grewal. Cdr Vijay Vadhera, NM(G), President NFMC too arrived and distributed us the entry passes. As we drove in to the cruiser warf, we were greeted by the early morning Buzz of Veterans, Sailors and guests boarding various allotted ships. Setting up of INS Mormugao stall took some time. After handing over the Indemnity bonds, the staff greeted us by the goody Cap of D-67 along with a hand band. We all were welcomed on board the mighty Mormugao Distroyer by the gangway staff and escorted to the Aisle Deck with ample seating arrangement ahead of the Bridge. The CO Capt Varun Panicker came and Cdr Vadhera introduced him to the Veterans and Spouses. The Capt smilingly shook hands with us and wished us well for the outing.
There were 9 ships earmarked for the ‘Families Day at Sea’ and we were 5th in sequence with cast-off time 0750 hrs, enough interval for interaction and to meet and greet all cheerful veterans : Cdr Vijay Vadhera, Capt Raj Dutta, Meena Dutta, Anushri, Cdr & Mrs MS Grewal, Cmde KN Bhagat, Cdr & Mrs Man Singh, Cdr & Mrs Tony Chacko, Cdr & Mrs Surinder Paul, Cdr Abhishek Kankan, Mayur Kankan, Cdr & Mrs PD giri, Lt Rajesh Khangar & Son. In addition Brig Dinesh Gupta, GpCapt Trilok Gupta, Col & Mrs Shashidharan were also present. There were a few Medical Officers of INHS Asvini with Families too. It was a pleasure to meet Surg Cdr Eesha Rajput (Radiologist at Asvini) along with her better half Veteran Cdr Pushpendra Singh. Surg Cdr Easha had been the PMO and PMC of INS Murmugao earlier. The Ships broadcast briefed us about the Ship and the sailing programme. A running commentary from the bridge was broadcast during leaving harbour and on crossing Middle ground. After leaving harbour an announcement requested the guests to proceed to the Wardroom for a hot sumptuous assorted breakfast of Idly-wada and Aloo-paratha that satiated everyones tastebuds. We thanked the Master-chief Std and returned to the Aisle deck for OP Demo. The weather was hazy with poor visibility, albeit it couldn’t dampen the spirit of us cheerful veterans, who can make merry in any adversity. There was a chill in light breeze that picked up as the ship crossed Prongs Reef Lt. All 9 ships were in line astern formation with a nm interval. Due to the poor visibility the OP Demo was slightly delayed and the ExO Cdr Rawat, (a Fighter Pilot on his mandatory Sea-time) organised a Ships visit to Various compartments including Ops Room, NBCD Hqs, Galley and CO’s/ Admirals cabins. From 1000 hr to 1200 hrs various exercises were demonstrated, viz SAR by SG 42 C, Submarine Passex, Jackstay with INS Tabbar (Station keeping by distance line and mail and Personnel transfer), Mig-29K CAP aerobatics. The exercises were well spaced out for the guests to interact and indulge in photo op. Assorted small-eats packets with sumptuous eats were distributed to all guests followed by hot tea. The exercise area was 50-60 nm west of Mumbai Harbour. After the OP Demos, Lunch was announced and we were escorted to the Wardroom for an appetizing Parathas, Chicken and Paneer masala, Cauliflower, Pulao and Fruit Salad supplemented with Gajjrela and Assorted Ice-cream; enough to pamper our taste-buds with delectable treat. While we were enjoying our meal, the ships corpened back easterly home bound. In the afternoon a PA system was organised in the Wardroom for Antakshri that was enthusiastically joined by Cdr & Mrs PD Giri, Mrs Mukti Ghosh, Raj, GpCapt Trilok and others. Cdr Vadhera paired up his mobile Bluetooth with the Music system to sing some melodious songs.
Later we once again ascended up to our Flag deck and enjoyed the cool breeze. As the ships entered outer harbour, I was transported back to my Ranvir and Taragiri days of heading onto the Tucker Beacon even as the wings shouted out the bearings for continuous position fixing on chart. After the Ship came alongside, CO Capt Varun Panicker met us at the Alleyway and shook hands, Cdr Vadhera conveyed our gratitude to the CO for the excellent hospitality extended to the Veterans and for the wonderful time on board. Cdr Rawat and his team safely escorted us back to the Jetty.
We are thankful to the Sword Arm of our fine Indian Navy to have organized a wonderful Day at Sea for Veterans, organised so well by various Fleet ships.
Shano Varuna !
Jai Hind !
(PS.- Photography and Videography by Mrs Meena Dutta)
PHOTOS
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