The Mighty Ocean
Oh what a mystery, a bundle of surprise,
And immense beauty!
It has all the noise yet.... so silent,
It encompasses the secrets
In abundance!
It is love, an enjoyable dream,
It's a winner all through......
This post is dedicated to Lt. Cdr. Abhilash Tomy
It’s about India's greatest naval adventure.
It is about one man who will cover 40000 kms, sailing around the world, alone and without any help or stops. The boat will go through some of the most terrible and lonely places on this planet encountering ferocious storms and raging seas. An adventure of this magnitude is so difficult that less than 100 people have ever successfully completed one. To compare more than 5 times the number has gone to space and more than 5000 people have been on the Everest.
A bit about Abhilash- the Man
A look at him will tell you he is just the guy next door, tall dark and handsome probably an expression of his Mallu genes! A young naval officer... if 33 is young! is a pilot by trade or specialisation but has chosen to sail. He has been doing that for almost 5 years now. If you asked him what was a pilot doing in the sea, he would say that he learnt sailing first and then flying. Anyway at the horizon, can't distinguish one from the other.
My memories of him go back to the school days in Kochi, where we studied in the same school. He was a quiet boy, all to himself but had a bright twinkle in his eyes. He laughed heartily. Met him almost 10 years ago when he was training to be a pilot, in Goa. I guess he was already a pilot then....
No contacts after that, then one fine day, last month I see a post on facebook where my school mate had commented. It was a best of luck wish to Abhilash. On looking further I was delighted to know this person to be my junior from school who was taking on this gigantic endeavour. Mhadei, the boat was taking him on a journey around the world, a solo circumnavigation attempt first time by an Indian without any stops or onboard assistance.
It really got me curios, I come from the Defece background, dad was a marine cammando, a Deep sea diver (saturation) in the Navy. Brother is also associated with the Merchant Navy and I am married to a master mariner. I know how the sea / oceans behave. I understood the challenges that came along. I had a chat with my husband on this and like any curious mind I had a million questions. He explained the concept and also the oceans at this time of the year. He also told me the adversities that Abhilash may encounter but he said that apart from physical endurance, it'll be his mental strength or makeup that'll take him through.
This really made me wonder, is all this worth it....its maddening.... yes it does!! He isn't doing it just for himself, he is doing it as a way to pay tribute to our vast coastline, to the might of our Navy and to all those men and women who have pledged their lives to this great nation... Sa No Varun! I feel so proud of my country, so proud of my roots and so proud to know this man personally... Abhilash you have made each one of us to look for the stars... there's no limit and you'll inspire hundreds of men and women to adorn the white uniform. Its a big responsibility that you carry on your shoulders but Sailor just enjoy the solitude! enjoy your time in the ocean, you are so fortunate to have earned where you are. Behave as you belong there.... as you own the oceans!
Nothing can ever be higher challenge than this, you must just be with the flow, wishing you fair weather, following seas and friendly waves.
 |
| Salute to the sailor!! |
No comments:
Post a Comment