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!

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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

Veterans' Choice at Puri Odisha

What do Navy Veterans in their 70s need? A Reunion. So that they can make lot of hulla gulla together.

Which destination to choose? Whichever provides exclusivity and privacy.

Which place did they select for Golden Jubilee of the Veterans' Commissioning? A Resort near Puri in Odisha, India.

Yes, seventeen veterans and spouses chose Toshali Sands, a resort on Puri-Konark Marine Drive in Odisha for their 5N6D Reunion. Normally, we don't use this blog to promote any commercial activity, but we are making an exception. Simply because the place is environment-friendly and is well maintained. Originally, it as an orchard converted to a 35-acre green resort. Excellent food and warm staff leave an everlasting impression the guests. We are aware of many Armed Forces Veterans groups over the last 25 years who have stayed there. Let the pictures do the talking!

The lobby at the reception is very tastefully decorated. Here is a short video of the painted ceilings.

We have shared only a few pictures here. Readers can visit the website for more details.

Look out for more stories about the Reunion and sites around Puri.

Thanks for browsing.

   -   Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Ashutosh Anand/ 2nd Nov 22

#odisha #navyveterans #Renion #goldenjubilee #indiannanvy #toshalisands #puri #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh

Sunset Years to Sunrise

We hear this often from 70-year-olds, 'Now in the sunset years, what is there?' 

We beg to differ. There is so much in life in the 70s (and hopefully in the 80s too!). All you have to do is to remain in the company of friends. As these Naval Buddies do. Yes, this is the story of few Naval Buddies and spouses, all Veterans, who decided to live it up. On Golden Jubilee of their commissioning into the Navy, these course mates are having a Reunion in Odisha- India's Best Kept Secret!

How to convert the sunset years into a glorious sunrise? Today's morning walk yielded the pictures for this story.

As we add years to our life, it appears to be shedding leaves like the picture above. But remember the season will change. So overcoming the adversities in life is all in our mind. Like the almond tree in the picture below, with new leaves!

So, choice is ours! Maintain positivity. Despite all odds. And friends help us do it effortlessly. The golden glow appears soon! See the picture below.

Who are these young-seventy-year-olds? The video below shows each buddy and his family. Although all the buddies could not make it to the Golden Jubilee Reunion, the friendship grows even in absentia. If you are unable to open the video icon, click this link.

Here is a picture how these buddies looked 51 years ago!

We end with a quote, 'There are friends, there is family and then there are friends who become family!' With God's grace, Ghumakkad's friends are one big family!

Stay connected. More picture stories will follow soon on their 5N6D Bash!

Thanks for browsing

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad/ 30th Oct 2022

#Navyveterans #indiannavy #goldenjubileereunion #70yearyoung #liveitup #sunsetyears #sunrise #goldenglow #ghumakkadharsh #navyspouses #ghumakkadhb

Assam Here We Come

Assam here we come!
Who are we? Twenty four engineering graduates who became buddy-officers in the Navy 45 years ago. We are in our silver innings with balding heads and grey hair. But with God's grace, our camaraderie is still alive and strong. 

Every year we meet up with spouses and re-live the years gone by. A creaking knee or an aching back or even a stented heart, doesn't deter us from going out together. Such is the kinship. Here is how we looked 45 years ago.

As grandparents, we love narrating our tales. This post is also one such tale, rather teaser of tales to come by- but told through pictures.

A bit about Assam. Located in north-east India, it is home to the famous tea gardens. Mighty Brahmaputra is the life line. Assam is also known as Ahom as it was ruled by Ahom kings since 10th century AD. The Ahom rulers migrated to India from Thailand during the turmoil.

Coming from all parts of India- Chandigarh, Kochi, Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai- We all assembled in Guwahati. Local sightseeing included the famous Kamakhya Temple and a cruise on River Brahmaputra. Pictures of these places will come in a later stories. This story is like the curtain raiser. Maps showing Guwahati and its surroundings, route to Manas and about each of us. Here we go.

So, who are the guys who came to Assam? Many could not make it due to other commitments. But they are watching from the sidelines. Eight of us who made it- in alphabetical order:

This trip has been planned by Animesh Bhowmick. Hat tip to him for immaculate research and best deals.

If you haven't read, links to some of our earlier bashes are given below:
Young graduates to younger grandparents
Life begins at Sixty
Buddies in Sixties Rock Goa
Scuba Diving at 65

Thanks for browsing,

    -  Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ 9th Nov 18
#Navybuddies #assam #brahmaputra #kamakhya #coursemates #reunion #ghumakkadharsh #ghumakkadhb

Buddies in Sixties rock Goa

What do buddies-in-sixties do to on a vacation together? In a place like Goa? They get drunk, of course. But they also visit the beaches and forts. 'Dry' day enforcement because of Assembly Elections does not deter their spirit. And what do their spouses, also in sixties, do? Pictures.

Who were these buddies-in-sixties and their spouses? Click here to browse.

What is new in Goa? Read the picture story here.

Goa also has plenty of birds. Ghumakkad will take you to a wetland called Maina Curtorim in the next story. 
Bye till then.

    -Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with inputs from all the buddies.