Wave of concern

The annual Navy Day celebrations saw former officers and sailors express the need to create awareness about their forces

There’s no circling the date on the calendar in advance,neither are reminders pre-set,for December 4 is a much-remembered and looked forward to day for any Naval officer or sailor. Navy Day is celebrated with much joi de vivre across the country and closer home the Chandigarh charter of the Navy Foundation has been organising annual celebrations as well. “Not many people realise but there’s a huge population of Naval officers and sailors this side of the country. The contribution to the naval forces from the northern region has been immense,” pointed out the president of the Chandigarh charter,Commander (retd) M L Mahendru. This year the Navy Foundation held its Navy Day get-together at PGI Community Centre in Sector 24 on a mellow winter afternoon. Despite the weather playing spoil sport,it was a full house with former Naval officers arriving to share notes and catching up on lost time. “We have as many as 450 to 500 members in the region and we all make it a point to stay in touch,” mentioned Commander (retd) Tarlochan Singh Trewn. Having worked for many years with the Indian Navy,Trewn and many like him progressed to a career in the Merchant Navy. “I got to travel the world with my wife and it was an enriching experience,” mentioned Trewn. However,this afternoon’s conversations were also peppered with moments of concern. “Unlike earlier when children would follow their father’s footsteps,youth today is choosing new paths. We want to create awareness about the great career options in the Navy and also apprise the public of the commendable role the Indian Navy has played in the nation’s defence,” explained an officer as the gathering grew stronger with the hour. In line with their aim to spread awareness,the Chandigarh charter is also looking to support social causes in the city. First in line will be blood donation camp that will be held soon. ’.