When I joined the Academy as a Naval Cadet at age 16, I knew I was in for an exciting future and maybe get to see the world; and I thought I would suffer less from the burden of books. Was I right? Action aplenty, travel: yes! But to become a Marine Engineer, I had to graduate in Engineering and further attend Post-Graduate Courses. The Armed Forces have some of the best training institutes in the country. And it was great fun and a privilege passing through their portals.
I did get my taste of travel and adventure, firstly visiting every corner of India. Later, visiting Australia and exotic SE Asia and beyond. I also experienced the wealth of the oil-rich Arab countries and their fancy cities. During these goodwill visits, the host countries showed us around, played football, volleyball and basketball matches with us and entertained us well.
My contribution was like a small cog in the wheel during the war effort, in supporting our warships in the 1971 clash with Pakistan.
Married in 1971, we merged happily into the naval community. Now my family and I miss that wonderful life. We made friends during every posting, and many of them continue to be in touch.
