Navy Day 2017 : Visit to INS Tarkash

NAVY DAY 2017 - Visit to INS Tarkash

Its not often that you get to see the Indian Navy or any of its Naval Assets from such personal level. So I jumped on the oppurtunity when I came to know that navy is organising a 3 day event where it will grant general public an exculsive access to its dockyard where 2 great warships are currently docked. - INS Tarkash and INS Kolkatta.

INS Kolkatta - in action 

On Sept 29th 2017, I saw the the Navy's ad where as part of Navy days Celebration- The navy was granting a rare access to its frigates and destroyers for the common public. Navy operates a naval dockyard near Mumbai's Eastern waterfront. This also serves as the HQ of Naval's Western Command.  Navy week is actually celebrated on 4th of December every year. It is celebrated to commemorate the courageous attack on the Karachi harbor during the Indo-Pakistan war (on 4 December, 1971) by the Indian Naval Missile boats as well as to pay reverence all the martyrs of that war. The lead force behind this courageous attack was the very own this Western Command of the Naval warforce.  

On 1st Oct 2017, Me and my friends met at CST and then walked towards Ballard pier for this event. our destination was "Tiger gate" which is the naval dockyard entrance. It being a sunday, Ballard Estate looked almost like a ghost town, Albeit - a pretty one. The ad specifically mentions that naval dockyard- being a restricted area, No phones or cameras be brought in. So we were not carrying any cellphones. It was an all old school cordination to reach this place. The entry was to start at 9AM. We were pleasently suprised when we saw many people had turned up quite early (as early as 8AM) and the serpentine queue was coming upto the end of the road. 

Navy had deployed its young cadets for marshalling of crowd. There were host of announcements regarding the types of ID cards accepted. formation of Queue etc. Technically, the visitor area is under the command of naval dockyard- so rules regarding Entry/ Exit of visitors apply accordingly. You are allowed entry on showing any original proof of Identity. however it is advisable that you carry original adhaar card as it is fast  becoming a more unique and accepted Identity proof. however they will accept PoI like PAN card, Voter EPIC card etc.

Once inside, There are two ships on display. As per some mechanism - the attendent gives pass for any 1 of the 2 ships. the ships on display are - INS Tarkash and INS Kolkatta. 

About the ships

Badge of INS Tarkash

INS Tarkash is the fifth Talwar-class frigate constructed for the Indian Navy. She is part of the second batch of Talwar-class frigates ordered by the Indian Navy. The main difference between Tarkash and the earlier Talwar-class ships is the use of BrahMos missiles in place of the Klub-N missiles in the earlier ships. In March 2015, INS Tarkash was in news- when it was sent with INS Mumbai and INS Sumitra as part of Operation Raahat to provide protection and support to Indian ships and aircraft involved in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Yemen during the military intervention.

Badge of INS Kolkatta

INS Kolkata is the lead ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. She was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), and was handed over to the navy on 10 July 2014 after completing her sea trials. she was instrumental in pre trials - INS Kolkata test-fired a BrahMos missile off Karwar's coast on 9 June 2014, and the test met all parameters.Also Indian Navy successfully test-fired the Barak 8 missile from INS Kolkata. INS Kochi & INS Chennai are the  sister-ship and second and third of the class respectively.




The Tour -

We were alloted INS Tarkash - The Talwar class frigate , a front line ship. She is 124 m long and can gain a speed of 30 knots. Once on board, On display- were various photos from all its various expeditions and Naval exercises. All of them displayed Tarkash's naval majesty. On the front deck was Kashtan Naval Guns with a perimeter movement of 135° (on either sides) and +85° vertical pedigree. The BhraMos launch deck was next in line. but due to operational sensiblities, only related information, which is already in public domain was given. Then a tactical officer introduced us to the working of 2x2- 533 mm torpedo tubes. After an array of officers room, comes the rear deck with a facility to land an helicopter. As informed by the on board cadet- the frigate is in the lead of operational readiness when called upon for naval formatation. Its primary target is to chase any enemy ship and launch counter offence thereby protecting destroyers like INS Mumbai and INS Kolkatta in naval warfare.

INS Tarkash - Near London Port

This is where our tour ended. From the rear deck, we could see the entire Mumbai eastern seafront and the whole naval dockyard. The now less used international cruise terminal was also visible. We were then escorted out. Although, it isnt as detailed or as entertaining as INS Vikrant tour was (as my friends admitted) . It was still a memory worth keeping and a tour worth doing.

I must admit that such occassions are rare, especially when you dont know anyone in the indian navy. This was managed well by the Naval dockyard employees and Team incharge of the Indian Navy. I would again recommend it to all my readers. 


The programme Ad (on facebook) -
As part of Navy Day 2017 celebrations, Indian Naval Ships Tarkash and Kolkata will remain open to public from 0900 to 1500 hours on 01 and 02 October 2017 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. 

Free entry will be permitted from Tiger Gate near Ballard Estate. Visitors are requested to abide by security procedures at the Naval Dockyard and are advised not to bring mobile phones, cameras and handbags for security reasons. Visitors are further requested to carry Aadhar card/ suitable identity proof. 

INS Kolkata is the first stealth destroyer to be built in India and is one of the largest indigenously built warships till date in the #IndianNavy. 

INS Tarkash, a modern stealth frigate is packed with weapons and sensors and is one of the potent warships of the #IndianNavy.

Important points-
1. the programme is only for 3 days- 01 Oct / 02 Oct and 18 Nov 2017.
2. Timing - 9AM to 3 PM
3. It is advisable not to carry any handbag/ Mobile phone or camera as this is a restricted area and the dockyard employees do not allow them inside. 
4. Please carry a photo Identity proof (in orginal). Xerox or scan copy in phone is not accepted.
5. Every member of group needs to have a Identity Proof. 
6. On its own - the Naval dockyard has made provisions for water and Washrooms inside the premises.
7. No eatables are allowed. 

Reaching there-
1. Its a 10 Mins walk from CST station (C.R). Landmark - Tiger gate or Alexandra Gate- (Ballard Estate)
2.There no dedicated parking or this event, but general parking near Ballard Estate is available. 

External Link - @IndianNavy (Indian Navy Facebook Page)

(Photo Credits Disclaimer :-Please note that photos used here are taken from wikipedia and Indian Navy's FB page. I do not own the copyright to these photos, These photos are in the public domain and hence reproduced here for convinience)

Trek to Manekgadh

Trek to Manek Gadh

When you wish for some thing truly from your mind; it manifests in action soon. This is what the book " the Secret" says. I was sitting in my office looking at post shared by some of my friends regarding a trek they went to Rajmachi and the fun they had.

I wished that had not it been a hectic schedule next week, I too would be able to go to a trek with some of my friends. Probably so intense was my wish that the almighty granted it soon, My dear friend and an avid trekker called me asking for breakfast options near panvel. He was looking to do a solo trip to prepare his team for a 2 day trek at the spot. To his innocent question - "If I would like to join in" . I said Yes. I had forgotten that the GST preparation has kept me busy and will keep me busy next week as well, So I could not afford to miss office due to any injury of trek. 

But I too was excited to the core. The plan was an overnight stay and long trek ahead to Manekgadh. I left office on time that evening in order to prepare myself for the trek. I used to be a average trekker in my college. Usual office monotony has robbed me of all external activities. It has set us the wisest of beings and in laziest of human beings. I was sure of having a stretched muscle or a sprained knee after the trek. However in these times one of my trekker friend dialouge comes to my mind "why go with the expectation of a sprained knee, why not think about rather enjoying the view"

Like scheduled my friend came to my panvel house for overnight stay at 10 PM. We were still to decide on the actual location of trek. It could be Manekgadh or Prabalgadh. As I had done Kalavintinicha Sulka. Prabalgadh was not of much interest to me. We got up in the morning and went to the ST stand. We had let the choice of our trek on the ST mahamandal. :-) :-) There was an ST going to washiwali gaon, we hopped on it and decided to do Manekgad today. Washivali is a small hamlet near Rasayani town. It takes around an hour from Panvel ST depot.

We got down at washivali and enquired about the route to Manekgad. The local told us that the route is from vadgoan which is 3 Kms from the vashivali by a local road. Thinking that we will find some one who will drop us to the village - we kept walking. But nothing of that sort happened. The morning Sun had just started its daily chores of making temperature humid. So we were able to scale the entire distance on the foot quite comfortably. the sights of morning walkers looking suspiciously at us was a little troublesome, but its like a regular feature on any trek in Maharashtra.

We reached Vadgoan. At first instance, i was smitten by this village, small and quite, The village looked well planned and self sufficient. at first go it looked very clean. It is advised that people going to manekgad start trek from here. As there are many more routes but it can get very confusing. We were to meet Rahul, who is a trek guide himself, his credentials are available on many other trek sites,  We were a bit early as some group of 50 people had booked him for the day. He was going to combine them with us. but because we were early, He offered us another dedicated guide. This guy was an old man. -S. Dalvi  or Dalvi Kaka. 

The famed Dalvi Kaka

Dalvi kaka''s age was hardly any match for his agility and steadfastness, I am always amazed by the stamina of these old age people who live in villages, Due to so much of outdoor activity they remain so fresh and young even it this age. I have seen this at Matheran trek also. Dalvi kaka took a dagger and stick. We proceeded at 8.30 for the trek . As soon as we left the village, I could see the pinnacle of Manekgadh looking at us from an overreaching angle. 

This trek is an endurance test right from the word go. There is a pleateau like structure which needs to be surmounted. Dalvi kaka was kind enough to cut some dead shoots and branches so that we could use this as trek pole. in the trek, there is very few strech of land which is flat. We had decided that we will take this trek at our pace. Dalvi kaka also told us the same. To comfort us, he played some great abhang from all poets. this continued for the whole of the trek.

The trek was becoming a little tiring, the humid sun was now burning skin. There was a point after which the rain started and we felt relieved. but this was shortlived. One mistake I made was not to wear full sleeves T shirt. There was lots of bugs and insects, but after some time I was not bothered. But for future trekkers it is a must. 

There are 2 ways to the pinnacle, one longcut which is relatively easy and one shortcut which involves a lot of vertical climbing, We requested to see the shortcut to the pinnacle. Dalvi kaka suggested that we can take the shortcut while coming down.  the wise old man (that dalvi kaka was) sensing that if rains come while on we are on descent, it would be a bigger risk. He changed his mind and agreed to take us to thru the shortcut on the way up,

Now began a series of many tapering precipe of land. Almost overcoming my fear of heights I walked with much caution on it. We came on a point where there was only bolders and more bigger boulders staring at us. kaka quickly climbed on the biggest one with relative ease. He also made me comfortable - advising me how to climb the difficult boulders. A little foot here and there and a good 2 hours , we took to climb the edifice that was the face of manekgadh.   

The fearless Dalvi kaka

Dalvi

Once after reaching the top where a relative flat land was there, almost like a premedicated sequence of some dramatics act, the thnder cloud suddenly descended with full rain. Staring down from the roof -there was a magical scene happening. I could see rains drops falling perfectly in symetrical shapes on the villages beneath. It was a great reward for our ardous journey up. I must admit climbing those boulders was the most intresting thing that I will take away from this trek. I was reminded of Walt Disney's immortal words - "Sometime its fun to do the impossible".

Sun refraction Services :-)

Now that we were at the top, we were relishing with the view manekgadh had to offer. We had a commanding view of the villages beneath. There was peak of karnala on one end. on the other- we would see the glimmering water stored in Morbe dam. The Clouds like some gigantic army was waiting for none and progressing regardless. one chance look below and we got a view of gods great refraction services - The rainbow sighting. It was all too magical.

We clicked some photos and settled for some lunch. by this time the rain had disappeared and bright sun started to shine again. We decide to keep our drenched backpacks in the sun and started to eat. We had got some bread butter and theplas. We relished on it. as such on a trek it is advised to keep the stomach relatively empty.  After eating we were shocked to see that the bagpacks were completely dry. You can imagine how much the sunshine was. Because of rising temperature, we decided to start our descent.

Dalvi kaka's now spoke to us about the history of this killa. He said when he was little, he has seen Shivaji Army here. He was explaining us about the now non existant walls. As per him this was a great rajwada once. Dalvi kaka was also an environmentalist in his small way.He planed some seeds in the open area. when asked about it he said, he would feel nice when he will see a tree growing there.

To our suprise his family also had come up on the manekgad. He had lunch with them. While descending it was decided that we will take the long route. Well now that I think of it. This meant a long walk of almost 4 hours. As mentioned earlier, this route is not difficult but long by the time. it was small steps and long walks across the face of all the plateaus. if while ascending we climbed on one side of manekgadh. while going down we were going on a circular route. we were able to see the killa from all sides. at one end, it looks like a 3 headed structure. the likes of Ajanta statue, the deity which resides in gharapuri islands off mumbai coast.After tumultous walk where we took innumerable breaks we reached a hanuman mandir which is like a landmark in this trail. It is mentioned in many trek travelouges. 

1 thing I forgot to mention about dalvi kaka. He was cutting many shrubs and dead trees on our trail.he said that such growth usually hides the paulvat. Out of sheer joke, We estimated that off the full forest of manekgadh - Dalvi kaka had destroyed 0.5% of forest to save the paulvat. by now Dalvi kaka's mobile was silent. it was replaced by loud cacophony of  us singing old songs. One song led to another and We were actually trying to suggest songs on demand to each other. Rain had like till now vanished fully. Those ardous 4 hours journey was very tiring for us. whereas it was like a regular day for Dalvi kaka. 

we reached base village by 4pm Dalvi Kaka and his family was very kind to us. They instantly prepared chai which was like an energy drink to us. My friend was carrying his routine back pack which was almost like another human being heavy. I tried to lighten the load. I voulnteered to carry it for him for some time.  We again did the 3 Km walk from vadgoan to washiwali. At washiwali we were infored that the ST for Panvel would be after 20 mins. 

To our great luck. This ST was originating from washiwali and was very empty. we quickly got 2 seats and had a great nap. the one and only great long comfortable rest I got that day. 

A day well spent.  

The Great Maratha Royalty- Jai Vilas Palace

JAI VILAS PALACE 

House of  Scindias of Maratha Empire

My only reference of this building was the slide show my dear friend Rohan ( @RohanRajiva ) had show to me. One room called Darbar Hall which I can only compare to its namesake in the Rashtrapti Bhawan, New Delhi.

Jai Vilas Palace , Main Entrance

Jai Vilas Mahal is the resident Palace and the seat of Scindia Dynasty. It was built by  H. H. Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia,the Maratha Maharaja of Gwalior, Although the age of royalty has come down, the Scindia are still respected in Gwalior. They are often referred to Raje Sahaab or Maharani saab. The current Raje saab is Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, who is also an MP 

To be very honest , I was not much anxious when the Jai Vilas Palace was on the itinerary. But I was in for a surprise. I had earlier visited Rashtrapati Bhawan which is the Presidential Palace. A section of this grand palace is opened to Public, where I had seen what splendour a palace is, but this was different. The Difference in 2 visits - was the whole experience. While in New Delhi, the capital city, everyone is respectful of the ruler,for obvious reasons. But here - ordinary people on the street affectionately referred to stories of how Rajesaab would visit schools, stadiums and interact personally with their subjects.   

It was the work of fate that the side road to Palace was closed so our driver chose a different route. This is a section of road that royalty uses to travel between 2 palaces. The road leads to a Majestic Door from which the Palace is visible. However this gate is closed for public access. It is used only by the scindia family. 

Forecourt, Jai Vilas Palace

I am no fan or follower of architecture styles, but I guessed that the palace is designed on the french style of architecture. It was a resemblance to a photo of Versailles Palace. This is a private palace maintained by the Scindia family. After the privy purses were abolished in 1971, many royal family opened up the family collectibles for public viewing as a source of income. A sister palace - Called Usha kiran Palace is now converted into a luxury hotel. Jai Vilas Mahal has a lot of exquisite artifacts and displays that keep the visitor engaged for long, 

One wing of the 3 wings of the palace is converted into museum.where these artifacts and collections are kept. At the start, you are introduced to the Scindia family and the extended family tree. After acquiting ourself with the descendents of the great Maratha dynasty we moved into the new room. 

The Coronation Room

This is the coronation room- the props and dresses used by the royals are kept here. Even at display is the royal Seat - Singhasan of Scindia.  On one ends the TV displays the art of making the royal Pagdi (Crown / headgear) by the courtesan. Unlike European Crown, the Indian Pagdhi is made from Long drape of textile and woven around the head of the king everyday by the courtesan.

Then there was the baghi and doli used by king and queens when the royal procession was to be made. You are guided to the room which is dedicated to Late H. H. Madhavrao Scindia. This room has almost all the article used by His Highness and has been curated carefully into a museum by his wife- Madhavi Raje Sahib Scindia. 

The Royal Procession Motifs, Jai Vilas Palace

It was here, I was able to witness the attachment gwaliorkars have to their Rajesaab. One women visitor who was ahead of us. She was visiting this palace for the first time with her family. In this room she was pointing at one of the photos of Madhavrao Scindia  and reminding here little one - Rajesaab would visit our school very often and I have received many medal from him. He would personally ask us about our dreams and encourage us to think about our future and place for gwalior in it."   Many visitors, who were locals were also telling stories about the royalty to the person accompanying them, Madhavrao Scindia was an MP and hence his people interaction was immense. He was following the rich tradition of the Scindias by developing the city infrastructure and rail network, 

Hand woven carpet having famous personalities

In all the subsequent rooms there are collectors items personally purchased by the royals. These mainly include the works of European artists. These speak of rich taste of the royals as patron of arts. one room is dedicated to  HH Rani Chinku Bai, one of the royals who was less than 5" hence all furniture was custom made for her. One of the artifact at display is a woven carpet having the photos of many great personalities from the past. It is a must see on your visit.

Like in dinning, the best is saved for the last here too the best part came last- The Durbar hall. The Scindia were good host and as they were a royal family, many royal family members would often visit the then princely state of Gwalior. The king would keep a reception in the honour of the visiting dignitary. This would be held at Durbar Hall.

The Darbar hall with its 2 chandeliers 

The interior of the Durbar Hall is decorated with gilt and gold furnishings and adorned with a huge carpet and gigantic chandeliers. It is 100 feet long, 50 feet wide and 41 feet in height. there is  two 12.5m-high, 3.5-tonne chandeliers with 250 light bulbs, said to be the largest pair in the world. Sadly on date of our visit it was not lit up. so we could only imagine the aura created in the room.

Although it is best to read but photos don't do justice to the experience of being in such place personally. I recommend it highly when You visit Gwalior or MP next.

For It was fun to see truly Indian- European kind of Royalty and that too from the great Maratha lineage.  I had till now only heard it in stories....


All Photos are copyrighted -  Rohan Sharma - @RohanRajiva /twitter