There is Magic in the Air... When They Meet

There is a special kind of magic that unfolds when naval veterans meet at their annual get-togethers—a blend of laughter, nostalgia, pride, a lot of leg pulling, yet also the quiet comfort that comes from being among people who understand you without needing many words. These reunions are far more than social events; they are a return to a shared past.  A recent annual get together at Goa was all that and more. It was an absolute blast, brimming with laughter, nostalgia, and camaraderie.

As a first-time attendee spouse, when I walked into the gathering with more nerves than confidence—awkward, a bit apprehensive, and admittedly a little lost. Everyone seemed to slip so naturally into conversations, laughter, and tight hugs that I wondered whether I would find my place at all. But that uncertainty didn’t last long. This warm, lively group had a way of drawing people in effortlessly. The banter flowed easily, with each story and anecdote growing funnier and wilder depending on who was telling it!!

Thanks to the ladies’ group, games and light-hearted teasing kept everyone in high spirits-- (literally & metaphorically !)

Evenings were the real highlight. Whether it was the gala night, a river cruise, or a casual get-together, the rhythm of old camaraderie takes over easily. The gentlemen veterans danced with an enthusiasm and verve that defies age, medical advice, and occasionally gravity! Spouses matched them move for move — because naval wives have their own unspoken sisterhood, complete with competitive enthusiasm. As the evening unfolded, small islands of conversation form—some debating old escapades, some catching up on family news, others sharing life’s latest triumphs and trials.

It was so heartwarming to see old bonds rekindled and new friendships forming effortlessly. The mix of familiar faces and new ones added a fresh spark to the celebrations.

What makes these reunions so cherished is the simplicity of it all—no pretence, no hierarchy, no need for explanation. Just people who shared a life of purpose, challenge, and adventure, coming together to celebrate the stories that shaped them. By the time the evening winds down, hearts are full, cheeks hurt from smiling, and promises are made to meet again, same time next year.

As we parted on the last day, it felt as though we were leaving behind not just friends, but family.

However, now Kochi beckons next year!

________________ 

The above post is a guest story from Padma Ramesh an accomplished journalist and a naval spouse. Thanks Padma for sharing the story and pictures of your late husband's Course Reunion. It will resonate with all Fauzis and their spouses. Looking forward to more guest stories from you.

Also, calling other readers-cum-writers: It would be our pleasure to carry your guest story. We have published more than a dozen guest stories so far. Our guest writers have ranged in the age group of eight to eighty!

Sharing below few of our previous stories of other Course Reunions.

Anjadip War Memorial - When 75-year-old Navy Veterans visited a War Memorial

Veterans Bash in a Train - When the course mates had a bash in a train! 

Magical Sunrise at Puri  -  And the veterans go shooting at a sea beach! Never too old to splash your feet!

Thanks for browsing, stay connected.

Do leave a comment, a few words will do. It encourages us.

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad/ 17th Dec 2025

#NavyVeterans #Reunions #Camaraderie #FlashBack #growingyounger #grandparentsenergy #CourseBash #IndianNavy #Goa #PadmaRamesh #GuestStory #GhumakkadHarsh #Ghumakkadhb

Anjadip War Memorial

What is Anjadip? Why is it famous? Where is it located?

Anjadip also called Anjediva, is the name of an island off the coast of Karwar in Karnataka. It was the scene of a battle between the Indian Navy and Portuguese forces during Op-Vijay, the military operation for the liberation of Goa in 1961. It was the first significant combat action for the Indian Navy post-independence. During the battle of Anjadip, seven Navy personnel made the supreme sacrifice. Although a memorial had been created at Anjadip island thereafter, the access was limited. The island now has an all weather road connecting it with Karwar main land. The present War Memorial was inaugurated in 2024 and depicts the seven martyrs in different combat postures.

We, a group of Navy Veterans and spouses, were fortunate to visit the Memorial during our Course Reunion in Karwar recently. Sharing a short picture story. The view from the southern tip of the island is simply breathtaking.

Here is a short video clip giving a panoramic view from the War Memorial.

Island Connectivity

See the short video clip while approaching the island by road.

See the map below to get a feel of the location of Anjadip island.

Brief History of the Battle

Mrs Ranjana Auditto, wife of late Adm Arun Auditto (then a Lieutenant) graced the inaugural ceremony of the War memorial. Lt Auditto had led the Naval combat team successfully. See the plaques below.

Instrument of Surrender by the Portuguese Governor General

Visiting a war memorial is always a moving experience for us, the armed forces veterans. Ghumakkad has carried many stories about war memorials. Sharing below a few links for the readers to browse.

Rezang La - A memorial to 120 bravehearts of 13 Kumaon who fought till the last bullet and killed more than 1300 Chinese soldiers on the icy slopes in November 1962.

Siachen A Memorial Like No Other - A tribute to the individuals and units martyred and deployed respectively in Siachen glacier over the years.

Memorial to Gen Lachit Borphukan -  Lachit Borphukan defended Assam from Mughal onslaught in 1671. A statue has been erected in his memory in River Brahmaputra. From 1999 onwards the Best Cadet in National Defence Academy (NDA) Pune is awarded a Gold Medal in Lachit's name.

Fallen But Not Forgotten - Remembering World War-I Martyrs. Memorial service in Bengaluru.

Kala Pani - A place which gives you chills! A picture story of the Cellular Jail in Port Blair.

Thanks for browsing. Stay connected and do leave a comment. Few words will suffice. It encourages us

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Karwar and Secunderabad/ 14th December 2025

Postscript 15 Dec: Indian Navy named one of its Petya class corvettes as INS Anjadip in early 1970s.  Commodore CR Charyulu Veteran, who was part of the commissioning crew of INS Anjadip wrote:

"After bringing INS Anjadip to India,  we came to Goa  and were fortunate to land at Anjadip island, by boat. Very nostalgic. Thanks for reminding those invaluable moments. Great coverage, as usual, Harsh. 🙏🏾"

#anjadip #warmemorial #karwar #karnataka #goaliberation #indiaaanvy #navyveterans #reunion #tribute #martyrs #opvijay #portuguese #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh

Marble Magic- Birla Mandir Goa

Temple in Goa?
We thought Goa was famous for its beaches, churches and wine!
A temple in Goa sounds a bit disconnected.
Yes, most visitors to Goa are unaware of a marvellous temple constructed in white marble, not very far from the airport.

We bring you a picture story of this magical temple which is sure to mesmerise you whether you visit it during the day or in the evening when it is lit up beautifully. Please note that the temple is closed during 12 noon to 3 pm everyday.  It was completed in just 22 months with the help of over 1,500 artisans and craftsmen The temple was inaugurated in 2023. It is one of the 30 temples constructed in India by the Birla family notables being the Laxminarayan Temple in Delhi and Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. The main deity in Goa temple are Radha Krishna. Idols of other Gods and Goddesses are also installed in the temple.

Here is a short video showing the ceilings and interiors of the Radha Krishna temple.

When was the Mandir consecrated? Who built the temple? See the plaques below.

Ghumakkad visited the temple recently. Have shared above few pictures as well as short video clips. With an overcast sky, the pictures are not as sharp. But it is hoped it will entice you to visit the temple during your next visit to Goa. The temple has already become a tourist attraction in Goa.

Sharing below a short video of the ceiling and the flooring in the Balaji temple.

Few readers asked where is the temple located in Goa? It is located next to the BITS Pilani campus in Goa. Please see the map below.

Night lighting enhances the beauty of the temple. Sharing few shots taken at night.

Special thanks to Neelima Paroolkar and her daughter Komal for taking us to the temple in the evening. Otherwise we would have missed the lighting and night view the next morning.

We have carried many stories of other temples in India. Sharing below the links to some of the previous stories.

Ranakpur- Marvel in Marble  A unique marble temple in the Aravalis near Udaipur which has intricate marble carvings on pillars, ceilings and beams.

Konark Sun Temple  - Browse a picture story with a video clip of the iconic Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.

Vitthala Temple in Hampi - Is the epicentre of Hampi's attractions. It has been acclaimed as the most extravagant architectural showpiece of Hampi. Browse our picture story.

Virupaksha The Living Temple - The only 'living' structure in Hampi- meaning where puja (worship) is performed everyday- is the Virupaksha Temple. Picture story for you.

Thanks for browsing. Stay connected and do leave a comment or two. It encourages us.

   - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Aditya and Seema Jain/ Goa and Secunderabad/ 28th Nov 2025

#birlamandirgoa #templesofindia #marblemagic #makrana #whitemarble #BITSGoa #adityabirlagroup #radhakrishnatemple #goatourism #newiconofgoa