“HANDS CALL” TO “PIPE DOWN”
(An ocean of memories lie between two innocuous dates; 24 Aug 1988 – my date of Commissioning in the Indian Navy (IN), and 31 Dec 2020 – my date of superannuation from IN)
In the Navy, Hands Call, is the first, early morning pipe played by the Duty Quartermaster, from the fo’c’sle or quarterdeck of the ship (or wherever the gangway is located). Using a Bo’s’n’s Pipe, he transmits it to every nook and corner of the ship, on the ship’s Main Broadcast (MB). This daily evolution plays with unfailing regularity across all Indian Naval ships, to wake up the in-living officers and sailors out of their slumber, and make them limber-up for their day ahead
The nine words/ phrases in bold in the paragraph above (amongst several other esoteric nautical terms), signify the difference, between the Naval personnel (the braves of the waves, as they are known), and the world that the rest inhabit. My Naval brethren would of course, make much, of what may seem gobbledegook to the rest (unless of course, they are Alistair McLean fans). I offer my sincere apologies to the non Naval fraternity, for that unavoidable oversight. However, since this piece is about my Naval reminiscences, I request to be excused, for being unsparing with naval lingo and expletives, the latter, within permissible limits of decent behaviour
My personal “hands call” to the majestic and gallant Indian Navy, arrived in the form of a registered letter from Naval Headquarters, inviting me to join the Naval Academy (Navac) at Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mandovi, in Goa. Buoyed by the wave of the“President’s Commission” (which I fondly carry with pride and honour), I quickly checked off the items to be carried to Navac, from a detailed list, very thoughtfully (and no doubt, painstakingly) crafted by a mandarin in SouthBlock/ Sena Bhavan in Delhi. I bundled the goods-n-chattel (my entire worldly possessions, at the commencement of my Naval life), neatly into a hold-all and trunk, and embarked to sail on, what I presumed, would be an experience of a lifetime. The Navy didn’t disappoint one wee little bit; in fact, 32 years, four months and one week later, I must confess, that the exciting voyage of discovery, learning and serendipity, has been beyond my wildest dreams
The Navy allowed me the luxury of being a part of a most illustrious, chivalrous, valiant and considerate Service. Inspiring me and challenging me, my taskings and tenures in the Navy, helped me (I believe) elevate myself personally as well. The ethos, values, traditions and culture imbibed by me, and by my family and friends, owing to their association with me, have (I believe), stood all of us in very good stead
Thanks to the Navy, I had the privilege and fortune of serving with several iconic leaders. Their guidance and mentoring had taught me cardinal skills, that now allow me the opportunity of experiencing yet another stimulating flavour of national security. I bow my head in thanks to each one of them, for nurturing me in into who I am today
“Swallowing the anchor” (retiring from the Navy, for the rest of us), is a deeply poignant event for a Naval officer. During the course of my career in the Navy, I was blessed by the magnanimity and emotional investment of a legion of Naval officers and men, especially my course-mates from Navac, my ship-mates, my peer officers, the officers and men and women that I led and commanded, and their families. I hold very close to my heart, this elite band-of-brothers and sisters. During a particularly traumatic event in my life in Aug 1993, besides my family, it was their concern and thoughts that nourished me, and helped me through. That, I could bounce back, and continue serving the Navy for more than a quarter of a century thereafter, owes in no small measure, to the large-heartedness of this special set of honourable men and women, whose love and affection, I acknowledge with profound gratitude
Protecting the integrity and sovereignty of one’s nation, in unarguably, the finest Armed Forces in the country, has been an overwhelming and fulfilling experience. The fascinating details of some of that may perhaps remain unwritten and unsaid, owing to its classified content. For now, it’s time for “Pipe Down” for me, from the Navy (for the uninitiated, pipe down, is the last ‘pipe’ sounded on the ship’s MB, to remind the in-living personnel, to wind up their nocturnal activities,and lull them into catching their beauty sleep). But, as in life onboard, so also in real-life, the party continues. In fact, some of the most unforgettable parties onboard, are after pipe down … when, from the imbibing at a party, you’re mildly sozzled (is that an oxymoron?), can get off the formal uniform, gulp down your choicest, and make merry, without the inhibition of making a spectacle of yourself in front of the guests; I am sure, you get the drift. Personally, I intend to let that tradition continue
On the professional front, as they say in the Navy, “any mission, anytime, anywhere … we are ready to go”. However, from now on, it wouldn’t be in the glorious and pristine whites (or blacks or blues, or the myriad other uniforms) that one wears with honour and esteem, while treading into harm’s way, when Bharat Mata beckons to protect her respect and dignity. The allegiance remains, only the attire changes; the fluttering tri-colour will still pump up the josh and fervour; the _*jana gana mana*_, will still tug at the heart strings and induce intense ardour; the roar of the guns and missiles will still cause frisson; the brackish aroma onboard our warships will still excite and perhaps haunt you, .... except that, I won’t be in my whites, my shining armour. Be that as it may, I want to thank Lord Almighty, for the privilege of permitting me to proudly don that uniform, while guarding the oceans and conquering the seas for my motherland. It has left me with an ocean of indelible, nostalgic, emotional memories, that I’ll cherish for ever
As I bid adieu to the Navy, I doff my cap in respect and regard, to all those who helped me navigate my own little frigate of life, through waters choppy and calm, pristine and pestering, and blue and black (and shades in between). I wish you fair winds and following seas; may the Sea God be benevolent on all of us. शं नो वरुण:
~AlphaAlpha
