MARINE DRIVE - MUMBAI KA DIL
Marine Drive is the mirror to our soul. We all come here to gaze at the endless ocean and look within.The glittering lights of Marine Drive are like stars that have fallen to the earth. It is the Marine Drive that makes Mumbai the city of dreams.
Just as Mumbai is the Financial Capital of India, Marine Drive is its heart with a great history. Commander Manoj Choudhary, a proud Veteran of our fine Indian Navy has brilliantly captured the historical essence of the Marine Drive, or the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ as it is popularly known, in his recent book, “Marine Drive- Mumbai ka Dil”.
THE BOOK LAUNCH
02 Aug 2026 was the Red Letter Day chosen by Cdr Manoj Choudhary for the launch of his Book, that literally throbs the Heart of Mumbai, the Marine Drive. The book dwells on the history of Mumbai, the real inventor of an Airplane - Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, Khwab adhoore kaise ho poore - modernisation of the Marine Bay, the Veterans Day Parades on the Marine Drive every year on Sunday preceding 14 Jan, under the dynamic Leadership of Cdr Vijay Vadhera, NM (G), President NFMC, and much more the book has to offer. The Venue chosen was the Police Gymkhana Hall. Cdr Manoj and his Wife Benu Choudhary had invited a few eminent Veteran Committee members of NFMC, Arjun Awardee and Olympian LtCdr Farokh Tarapore and Anahita Tarapore, Cdr Sulakshan Sharma, Cdr Dinesh Rai and Archana Rai, and LtCdr Vishal Preetam (Son of Manoj, serving onboard INS Surat), Cdr Pushpa Pandey, Cdr Vipin Jha, Capt MK Gupta, SurgCapt SR Mohanty. The prominent Guests of honour, who graced the occasion were Mr Ram Kumar (the Publisher of the Book), Shri Sanjay Gowilkar, Addl SP(Retd), Prof Dayanand Tiwari, Journalist Vivek Agarwal, Writer Nitin Salunkhe, Poet Shivdutt Aks, Police constable Kajal Chauhan, recepient of Bravery award for Life saving at sea-shore, Mr Sailo, awarded for Cleanship upkeep of Marine Drive. And eminent press and media personnel.
The Program was well conducted by Journalist Rajesh Vikrant, who was the Master of Ceremony. The Vote of Thanks was rendered by Mr Ram Kumar, Dir of RK Publications.
At this point in time it would be prudent to glance at the profile of the Author.
THE AUTHOR
Manoj was born on 17 Sep 1966 in Bihpur, Bhagalpur (Bihar). He joined our fine Indian Navy in Jul 1985 as a young sailor in the Aviation Stream and with his dedication and calibre got Commissioned as an Air Traffic Control Officer in Apr 2001. He has served onboard the mighty AirCraft Carrier Viraat, Airstations at Goa (INS Hansa), Port Blair (INS Utkrosh), Mumbai (INS Shikra) and Ramnad (TN), apart from HQNA and NHQ.
He has proudly served for more than 38 yrs, prior hanging his boots in Sep 2020. Yet connected to our Navy as son, Lt Cdr Vishal Preetam, ASWO INS Surat, Daughter in Law Maj Snigdha Surbhi (AMC) Dockyad Dispensary (Mumbai), two Sons in Law Cdr Sujeet Kumar and Cdr Sandeep Kumar Singh posted in ENC and Vikrant respectively.
Manoj has published 5 books earlier : First three books are दर्पण और प्रतिबिंब भाग 1, 2 & 3. 4th book is पूर्वार्ध जीवन की रोमांचक घटनाएं. 5th is जागो
First three books are poetry books. The fourth is small story book and written in a way so that younger one specially growing children can learn lessons of life. While the book Jago is an epic. It is a journey of our Bharat starting from golden era till today. First three books were unveiled by Admiral Hari Kumar, then CNS. Fourth by COP Adm Suraj Beri and the fifth was released in Goa.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The book chronicles the rich history, heritage, architecture, maritime legacy, culture and indomitable spirit of Mumbai. More importantly, it presents a visionary mega project of national importance in the chapter "ख्वाब अधूरे : कैसे हो पूरे"—the creation of a self-sustaining mega city over the sea while completing the unfinished construction of Marine Drive that remained incomplete since the 1930s.
This vision has the potential to transform Mumbai into one of the world's foremost global destinations and become a catalyst for exponential growth in tourism, trade, maritime excellence, innovation, employment and the national economy. It seeks to build upon Mumbai's unique maritime identity while preserving the city's heritage and character.
AUTHORS SPEECH AT THE BOOK LAUNCH
I stand tall with my chest filled with pride as our esteemed members from NFMC, serving and veterans, along with many dignitaries to grace the release ceremony of my latest book, "Marine Drive: Mumbai Ka Dil," today at Police Gymkhana Club, Marine Drive, Mumbai.
About the Book
"Marine Drive: Mumbai Ka Dil" is an attempt to capture the soul of Mumbai through the timeless story of its most iconic waterfront. The book traces the history and evolution of Mumbai's seven islands, the making of Marine Drive, its celebrated Art Deco heritage and the city's vibrant culture, dreams and indomitable spirit.
It explores Marine Drive as a living symbol of Mumbai's resilience, particularly through the lens of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, remembering the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who stood between the city and terror. During the event, the audience had the rare privilege of hearing firsthand from the police officer who captured Ajmal Kasab alive despite being shot by him. His inspiring account of courage and duty deeply moved everyone present.
The book also highlights the significant contribution of the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Police towards the safety and security of Mumbai. The audience had the opportunity to meet serving and retired police heroes and hear their remarkable experiences directly from them.
From history and heritage to architecture, cinema, literature and the everyday lives of Mumbaikars, the book seeks to present Marine Drive not merely as a promenade, but as an emotion— a place where Mumbai's past meets its present, where dreams meet the sea and where the heartbeat of the city echoes with every wave.
The book also presents a vision for Mumbai's future— to build upon its extraordinary heritage, strategic location, maritime identity and cosmopolitan character and to develop Mumbai into one of the world's most iconic global centres. This vision explores how the city's magnificent waterfront and Marine Drive can become the centrepiece of an international destination, bringing together culture, heritage, tourism, commerce, maritime excellence and national pride, while preserving the unique soul of Mumbai.
As part of the aviation team, if someone likes to visualise the journey of Talpade who flew first flight ever( except pre vedic era) his triumph, pain and his tragic end along with the photo of first ever flight made, the book has material for them.
The gracious presence of all the distinguished guests, along with many other dignitaries, made the release ceremony a matter of immense honour and encouragement for me. Senior officers and leaders from the Airports Authority, State Bank of India, Indian Railways, Customs, Mumbai Police, decorated authors and members of the media—including senior journalists who have closely observed and chronicled the events and stories that shape our nation— added special significance to this memorable occasion.
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Veteran Commander Manoj Choudhary, the eminent Author of 6 books has made all Veterans and Veer Naris proud with the launch of his book on Marine Drive. Here’s wishing the budding Author best wishes in his future Literary endeavors.
AUTHOR'S CONTACT DETAILS
Mobile: 9969858852 / 9960605364
Email: cdrmanojkumarchoudhary66@gmail.com
SAM NO VARUNAH
JAI HIND
PHOTOS
