M.K.Gandhi foisted as "Father of Nation" ?

Has Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi by his fans, been foisted as nation's father without any analysis, discussion, protocol or consensus. It appears so, going by the seemingly innocuous application doing rounds in government offices.
The credit for stirring hornet's nest and asking unsavoury questions goes to a young girl Miss Aishwarya Prashar of Lucknow. She is a student of fifth class and has submitted an application under RTI (Right To Information) act. She has sought following information in her request:

1. Who gave the title of "Nation's Father" to M.K.Gandhi?
2. When was this title conferred on him?
3. What were the grounds for such honour?

The application was directed to PMO (Prime Minister;s Office), but to no avail. Then the application was sent to Home Ministry for answers and sadly, they had none. Now the application has been forwarded to National Archives, but the hope of finding the answers is bleak indeed.

 Now, the citizens are wondering if they have been taught and are being taught baseless and unfounded facts. Some even go to the extent of saying that it was merely a ploy of Congress Party for reaping the electoral harvest.

This reminds me of early nineties, when I was in Kolkata for my marine examinations. I came by the then issue an English magazine named Sunday. It had extensively published excerpts from a book "Myth of the Mahatma"  by Michael Edwards.I still remember a lot of funny, ludicrous and unthinkable incidents related to M.K.Gandhi's life tearing apart his status as Mahatma. The excerpts were indeed controversial. Since then, I have tried to procure a copy of that book on irregular occasions without any success. The possibility of book having been banned cannot be ruled out. But I have hopes. Bans in this age of Internet are meaningless and toothless. If I persist a little, I will be within the book's reach.

Now afloat and refurbished!

Port life boat of Allcargo Laxmi being maneuvered

Starboard lifeboat of Allcargo Laxmi being maneuvered

Barring few final touches we are now nearing the completion of dry-docking. Yesterday the dock was flooded and we were set afloat along with two supply vessels. And what about the barge which was in our company? Well, it is just a dumb barge with no engines or machinery. But it is quite a big barge and is in the dock for considerable steel renewal and it will be quite some time before it gets completed. So, when the dock was being flooded the barge was allowed to stay and sink. Now the barge will give company to SCI tanker Palnimlay- next vessel in line to enter dry-dock.

Lifeboats of Allcargo Laxmi undergoing five yearly tests

                       We had chance to maneuver both the lifeboats in water with ship staff, while carrying out the five-yearly mandatory tests. As usual the hull has been painted and all other repairs have been carried out.

Letters of old name lying on dry dock gangway

The letters representing the old name of the vessel on the bows and stern were sliced off and the new name Allcargo Laxmi was planted by bead welding and painting. Previously, the name was just stenciled over the old projecting letters and did not present a very imposing look. But now, the name looks sovereign and prominent.

Letters representing old name have been taken off

                       The vessel has also been bedecked with company’s name on ship’s sides amidships. Starboard side of the funnel, which was earlier blank, has also been decorated with company’s logo.  

Freshly painted name Allcargo Laxmi within bead welding on bows

Company's name Allcargo painted prominently on sides amidships

Funnel of Allcargo Laxmi adorned with company's logo

Allcargo Laxmi all set to be afloat

Low and dry, sitting on blocks

Allcargo Laxmi sitting on blocks at Colombo dry-dock

By late evening, on the day of entering the dry-dock, the water had been pumped out and our vessel Allcargo Laxmi was sitting on blocks in the company of three other vessels. The dock is quite big and four rounds each of up and down are a good work out for me at this age. I try to take one in the morning and two to three later in the day.

Anchor chain being ranged in dry-dock

Marine growth has been scraped off, thickness measurements are almost complete and sand blasting will commence soon. Preparations are also being made to unship the rudder as the propeller shaft has to be taken out for survey and inspection. On most ships the shaft can be drawn within the vessel making the removing of rudder unnecessary. But in our case the design is such as will require the shaft to be taken outward thus necessitating the removal of rudder as well.

Four vessels in the dry-dock. One supply vessel and barge in the foreground and another supply vessel and Allcargo Laxmi in the background

Anchor chains has been removed from the bitter end and have been ranged for calibration and inspection. There is lot of hustle and bustle in the dry-dock as hundreds of people from yard workshops are attending four vessels at the same time in the same dry-dock.
It is quite interesting to know as to how the areas coming near the edge of a block are inspected and how a block is removed or shifted.

Allcargo Laxmi enters dry-dock at Colombo

The dock dried up after sailing of APJ Jad and the blocks being arranged

Two days back, APJ Jad an Indian flag vessel had sailed out of Colombo dry-dock after completion of her docking surveys and repairs. We were waiting for her to sail out for us to enter the dry-dock. While waiting the repair work went on as we waited on yard berth.

Water being pumped in to flood the dry-dock

The yard is quite big and we are altogether four vessels in the same dry-dock. One is our own vessel Allcargo Laxmi, two are supply vessels and one is barge. The barge and one supply vessel had entered yesterday itself and the other supply vessel entered this morning followed by Allcargo Laxmi.

Allcargo Laxmi entering the dry-dock. Supply vessel seen next to her

Flooding takes place in about two hours, while it took about seven hours to pump the dock dry. Almost a day was consumed for arranging the distribution of blocks for sitting of the four vessels.

Hinged gate of the dry-dock being pulled to close the dock

Colombo dry-dock is quite busy and we were told that they are booked till 2020.

Sri Lanka versus India

We have spent almost a month now in Colombo dock yard. Our vessel Allcargo Laxmi is still undergoing special surveys and the related repairs.We have had chance to visit the city and walk the roads and roam the markets and bazaars. I cannot help mentioning few pertinent and prominent points in comparison to our own country, India. The points worth noting are:

1. Pedestrians have the right of way over the vehicles. Instinctively, I stopped to avoid running the risk of being run over by an approaching vehicle, when I was crossing a road. But the vehicle stopped and motioned me to continue crossing the road. Wow! So our 'insignificant; neighbour has lesson to teach us. We all know that, in India we not only run the risk of being run over by speeding vehicles, we also stand the chance of being reprimanded by the drivers for the mistake of crossing the road. 
2. I also noticed that the vehicles engage in lane driving. They never hurry to overtake and nor do they honk needlessly. I realized the conspicuousness of the absence of honking, as I enjoyed long walks on the road pavements, which of course were not encroached upon by illegal vendors and hawkers.
3. The literacy rate in Sri Lanka is 98%. Unbelievable! I do not have the exact rate of literacy in India, but I am sure that it is nowhere near 98%. No use sending satellites in space and firing missiles.
4. All Sri Lankans have access to drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities.
5. Health care and education up to graduation level is absolutely free. One can pursue engineering or opt for medicine and choose to become engineer or doctor free of cost. In words of the IRS surveyor: "It does not matter whether one wants bandage for an injury to finger or needs to undergo bypass heart surgery, the treatment is free.

I think there is no harm learning a thing or two from our little known neighbour. Our ministers and babus can speak to their counterparts and ask them about their management and administrative techniques.   

Allcargo Laxmi at Colombo for dry-dock and renewal surveys.

Everything went as planned and we were alongside in Colombo yard berth on 28th of May, the day our certificates were expiring. We did anchor for few hours before berthing. The passage from Tuticorin to Colombo, though very short was marked with rolling and pitching.

Buddha monument at Colombo

  After few days at yard berth we were shifted to another berth in Colombo port. This berth was giving a close-up view of the city. Especially the twin towers of world trade centre, Buddha monument, Hilton hotel and the building of Bank of Ceylon (BOC) are very conspicuous and embellish the Colombo skyline in an enchanting manner.

Cruise ship for tourists by www.srilankatravel.com at Colombo harbour

I thought that there was only one world trade centre, comprising of twin towers, of New York, USA. But there are many in various countries. I just happened to see this one in Colombo.

View of world trade centre and the monument

Buddha monument is cream in colour and lies within the precincts of the Colombo port and is thrown open to visitors in controlled manner. It is very close to sea coast and is a conspicuous landmark from sea side.
I have noticed tremendous movement of container ships, while looking around casually. But, they say, the 80% of the boxes are trans-shipment cargo and are meant for India. The infrastructure for container handling is more organized and efficient than we have in our country. Mundra is coming up fast. Cochin is trying but the initiatives are stalled by labour union problems and bureaucratic hurdles.

Another view of Colombo city from Allcargo Laxmi

We have already spent about 2 weeks here. The work is going on at its desired pace, though interspersed with interruptions caused by shifting between berths.We hope to finish the docking and renewal surveys by the end of this month or the first week of the next..Though SW monsoon came with a bang and we experienced good rain and thunderous showers, but is has been all quiet for last five days. It is hot and humid outside, but AC is doing its job satisfactorily.

Bentonite: From Mundra to New Mangalore

View from Allcargo Laxmi: Mundra port active and growing

.Soon before iron ore discharging was to complete from Allcargo Laxmi at Kandla, we received instructions to proceed to Mundra, another Gujarat’s upcoming port, for loading Bentonite in bulk. No body was pleased to hear that. But work is work and that is to be done. The reason for the displeasure is the mess; cargo of Bentonite creates on the ship. The entire vessel gets washed in pale yellow fine powder’s coating. The cargo is slippery too and is difficult to be washed away. One whole day is consumed in getting rid of the residue.

Allcargo Laxmi loading Bentonite at Mundra 

                 Bentonite is a kind of weathered volcanic ash or clay with varied industrial uses. The word Bentonite takes its name from a place named Fort Benton in U.S.A., where the clay was first discovered and put to use. The clay comes in variety of forms each with its own unique characteristics.  For examples a type swells on coming in contact with water and is used as a sealant.

Weather was fine on this return voyage

              Anyway, we spent about 16 hours amid a cloud of Bentonite dust and sailed on full tropical marks towards N.Mangalore. The first day was again characterized by moderate winds and swell but a reprieve came on second day and weather continued to be fine and pleasant till arrival New.Mangalore.

Allcargo Laxmi  entering New Mangalore harbour minutes after sun rise

Windmill blades and iron ore pellets offloaded at Kandla

Windmill blades on hatch tops of Allcargo Laxmi

Necessity, we all know, is the mother of all inventions. This principle is as old as the human civilization. Energy has been the continuous need for all of us. Getting carried away with one exciting aspect usually puts other important, but not readily apparent, on the backburner. Industrial revolution brought all the most sought after comforts. In the process health and environment got compromised. Awareness, rising clout of environmentalists has forced scientists, experts and industrialists to explore and harness those sources of energy which are not taxing to ecological balance and not detrimental to human health. Global warming has become the major issue today. Our mother nature is enormously generous to keep forgiving our blunders. But things are indeed getting out of control. In a way human avarice is also to blame.

Two cranes of Allcargo Laxmi discharging a windmill blade

                    Recently I heard doctors say that air pollution is also responsible for the rising instances of diabetes! Why? Because, the pollution level is so high that it blocks the sun’s beneficial rays which are supposed to manufacture vitamin –D on coming in contact with human skin. Among numerous other medical problems, vitamin-D deficiency is also linked to the sweet malady.

Blade being positioned on a special trailer

                    Carrying windmill blades on board the vessel M.V.Allcargo Laxmi brought all these thoughts to my mind and the knowledge that India is also playing its role in keeping the mother earth clean and green. Suzlon has been in the forefront in this venture and Allcargo Logistics is also playing its part, though indirectly by transporting the windmill blades.

Iron ore pellets in hold of Allcargo Laxmi

We are excited by unprecedented growth and prosperity brought about by the concepts of open economy and private enterprise, but it has put tremendous pressure on energy supply as well. Wind energy is another change which is going on silently and largely unknown to common man. Wind energy is not that expensive, as is wrongly assumed, and has already played in impressive role in reducing the harmful green house emissions and meeting the energy needs.

Iron ore being dumped on jetty at Kandla

                     Windmill tower basically consists of a set of three blades, one hub housing generator and other components, and vertical tower. As can be seen in the photo each blade is about 60 m long and it weighs about 8 to 9 metric tonnes. Two cranes are used simultaneously for loading, handling, stowing and discharging. Our ship Allcargo Laxmi, for her size, has the advantage of unobstructed space over the hatch tops as the cranes are mounted on one side of the vessel and not on the centre line.

Crane operator working in environment friendly manner

                So, the 19 blades were discharged at Kandla on 9^th May following which holds were opened to unload the iron ore pellets that were loaded at Goa. These pellets are converted to sponge iron which in turn is used for various purposes including manufacturing of mild steel and stainless steel

200 years old American constitution has been amended only 4 times, while Indian constitution has seen more than 100 amendements in 60 years! Time to introspect.

Rozana Spokesman : Leading Punjabi Newspaper Online

Change is inevitable - even if slowly.

Rozana Spokesman : Leading Punjabi Newspaper Online

Things never remain same for ever.

Rozana Spokesman : Leading Punjabi Newspaper Online

SW monsoon says: "Do not forget me"

SW monsoon told us that it is not very far away and we should be prepared to welcome it, notwithstanding, sailors’ dislike for it. The passage on board Allcargo Laxmi from New Mangalore was marked with the message loud and clear. Though the winds were not strong, the moderate/heavy south westerly swell made its presence felt and demanded the due respect. The last two days to Kandla were not like earlier good weather sailing. Vessel rolled incessantly and persistently enough to annoy. Jasvinder (my wife who is aboard with me) was confined to bed and felt sea sick as usual. The fact that we were sailing after a gap of about 16 months made matters worse. I was content with heaviness in head and a justifiable excuse not to work. The problem with bad weather is that everything goes haywire. It becomes extremely difficult to work, creating a backlog which further compounds the problem.



View of Kandla port - figure 1



                                    Not only the vessel was rolling, she was rolling with a short period, because of the stiff status as a result of full load of iron ore pellets. Southerly current was taking a toll on our speed, making the troublesome passage longer. On top of that our concern was the fate of the 19^th windmill blade that was loaded on 3^rd tier. We were compelled to adjust course to minimize the jerky rolls and keep the blade intact for safe delivery.

View of Kandla port - figure 3

              In Kandla berthing is tide –dependent. We anchored on 7^th afternoon and berthing was fixed for the next day. When the moment arrived, berthing was cancelled. Because the vessel that was to sail and vacate the berth ran into trouble with her engines and we were told to stay put and anchor again. I wish we had berthed. The spring tide gave us its bitter taste. We dragged our anchor and dragged again upon anchoring. Finally I changed the location and went further SW of outer Tuna buoy. But, I noticed something very strange. We did not drag anchor aft, with cable leading right ahead. We were dragging towards port beam at a speed of about 0.5 knots. The cable was leading starboard beam, long stay (starboard anchor was down). I have not seen anything like this before. Wind was blowing from port quarter at about 13 knots. Could it be because of the presence of 19 windmill blades on hatch tops? I have no clue. Ship was heading like all other ships at anchor (tide rode) but dragging laterally towards port beam!

                     



View of Kandla port - figure 3



P for politician and unsurprisingly, parasite too.

Rozana Spokesman : Leading Punjabi Newspaper Online

One more than the till-now-maximum

After getting a day off from cargo work on the occasion of International Labour Day, we had to wait another day for cargo on 2^nd May. Loading started on 3^rd afternoon and was completed by early night.. We were headed for Kandla soon after and now are sailing past Karwar, a small port on the coast of Karnataka.



19 Windmill blades aboard Allcargo Laxmi



                               This time we have loaded 19 Suzlon windmill blades on M.V.Allcargo Laxmi. Till now we had loaded only 18 blades at the most, and this ended up in two tiers. The 19^th blade, one more than the maximum, was placed on third tier towards the inboard side. Other than different and more extensive dunnaging, everything was as usual. This was aimed at distributing the load over wider area so as not to violate the load density of hatch covers.



Close-up view of 19th blade on 3rd tier



                         At present we are loaded down to the tropical marks, with iron ore pellets in the holds and drivers of wind energy on hatch tops. Strong southerly current was experienced throughout the night and is persisting even now. It became apparent, the moment we exited the N.Mangalore breakwaters on westerly course. We had given as much as seven degrees set towards starboard side. The current continued to drag us down in the night as headed on north westerly course. Only a short while ago speed has slightly picked up, but the current is still playing its part.

View of Karnatka coast from Allcargo Laxmi's bridge

                   Weather continues to present its best self. She is rolling in loving manner. Sea is calm and coupled with short low swell. The air is crisp, clear and transparent. Sky is dotted with silvery white cumulus clouds and the blue sea is speckled with wobbling fishing boats. Hazy coastline of the Karnataka state is breaking the continuity of the horizon. So far so good till the SW monsoons begin.

Oyster rocks at the mouth of Karwar port.
Fishing boats in the foreground

India needs to get out of stupor of self-praise and self-glorification

Rozana Spokesman : Leading Punjabi Newspaper Online

Labour Day Celebrated - Allcargo Laxmi

Lifeboat being lowered

Holidays always bring cheer. But some services like railways, airlines, policing, CISF, firefighting, hospitals and shipping have to remain active incessantly. No matter, what the day or what the occasion. About two decades ago we did enjoy some reprieve in Indian ports on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day. It was always something to look forward to. But now, Indian ports have taken cue from USA and Europe and continue to work 24 hours, 365 days.

Lifeboat clear and steaming - figure 1

Unsurprisingly, it came as a pleasant shock when agent told that there would be no cargo work (at New Mangalore port) on the occasion of 1^st May as International Labour Day. So it was all quite and peace in the precincts of the port yesterday. We rose to the occasion and decided to lower and maneuver our ship Allcargo Laxmi's lifeboat.  Ship has a number of young seamen and a first –timer. A team of the experienced the novices was formed and sent in boat for the operation. Not only the team enjoyed the ride they also attained invaluable experience and confidence.

Lifeboat clear and steaming - figure 2

In any case ships are required by law to lower, unhook and maneuver their lifeboats in water at least once in three months. Entry has to be made in official log book as an evidence that it has been done. 

Lifeboat clear and steaming - figure 3

Unfortunately some times record keeping is not matched by the actual task having been done. And, this becomes easily evident when boat is required to be lowered and operated in front of PSC inspector. 

Lifeboat being retrieved

Doing the exercise regularly can save the needless embarrassment and will provide the boats to be available for use, in case (God forbid) we need them. 

Old memories revived

Loading on Allcargo Laxmi through barges at Goa

We could not moor to dolphins for some reasons. So we berthed alongside tanker berth no.8 at Goa. Barges came alongside on starboard side and loading was completed using ship’s cranes and shore grabs. Everything went smoothly.

Loading iron ore pellets

This was my first visit to Goa by sea in last 13 years. It was in 1999 when I had come a couple of times on another ship M.V.Nand Srishti. Two years back I had come for a two day camp held at Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Mangour Hill, Vasco organized and conducted by Sukrit, a Ludhiana based NGO. It is about four kilometers from Goa port and is easily reachable.

We decided to go to Gurudwara and meet our old friend and host Mr.Jagwant Singh. He is a very generous and good-natured person. He is the one at whose place we had stayed for two nights, when we came flying down to Goa for the gurmat camp. He has been living in Goa for the last twenty years and is a diver by profession. He also volunteers as Gurudwara president.

We were in luck and we reached Gurudwara in the evening for attending the evening so-dar diwan and doing a bit of sewa. Jagwant promptly recognized me, when I called him on phone and came rushing down to Gurudwara. We exchanged greetings and remembered and talked about the time spent together during the camp.We could not moor to dolphins for some reasons. So we berthed alongside tanker berth no.8 at Goa. Barges came alongside on starboard side and loading was completed using ship’s cranes and shore grabs. Everything went smoothly.

Gurudwara Singh Sabha,  Mangour Hill, Vasco, Goa

This was my first visit to Goa by sea in last 13 years. It was in 1999 when I had come a couple of times on another ship M.V.Nand Srishti. Two years back I had come for a two day camp held at Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Mangour Hill, Vasco organized and conducted by Sukrit, a Ludhiana based NGO. It is about four kilometers from Goa port and is easily reachable.

We decided to go to Gurudwara and meet our old friend and host Mr.Jagwant Singh. He is a very generous and good-natured person. He is the one at whose place we had stayed for two nights, when we came flying down to Goa for the camp. He has been living in Goa for the last twenty years and is running a diving company.He himself is a very experienced and good diver, though he does not dive himself any more. In a way, he is also connected with marine industry and is not a stranger to ships and shipping world. He also volunteers as Gurudwara president.

Jagwant Singh with blogger Captain Yashpal Singh

We were in luck and we reached Gurudwara in the evening for attending the evening so-dar diwan and doing a bit of sewa. Jagwant promptly recognized me, when I called him on phone and came rushing down to Gurudwara. We exchanged greetings and remembered and talked about the time spent together during the camp. He was kind enough to drop us in his vehicle at the port gate.

Dish antenna installed aboard Allcargo Laxmi

My previous two ships were also coastal ships trading around Indian coast. Other than the benefit of mobile phone coverage and easy accessibility to internet, another interesting facility I enjoyed was dish antenna on board. This was quite interesting as we could enjoy the live Gurbani telecast from Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar everyday morning and evening. Resetting the dish antenna with changing courses is not an issue. Usually young officers become very skilled in achieving the desired elevation and azimuth.

Videocon d2h Dish Antenna on Monkey Island

                       So, this time when it was decided that I would be joining M.V.Allcargo Laxmi ( again a coastal ship) I was sure that she would be fitted with dish antenna. But that was not the case. Initially few days passed by. Then I started planning about fitting one onboard. Chief officer and electrical officer immediately offered their services. Both being from Tamil Nadu, they managed everything very well locally in Tuticorin. Presently all Indian ports observing security level 2, some difficulties were faced with customs; but eventually all ended OK.

Allcargo Laxmi at Tuticorin, ready to sail out to sea

      I was in favour of installing DD direct plus. But this being government’s dish antenna, it appears marketing is lacking. This is because we found none dealing in DD direct plus. The reason for its preference is that it provides a large number of   free channels. There is no subscription fee required.

     So, finally we had to settle with d2h Videocon dish. This is also working well. I am happy to receive live telecast of Gurbani from Amritsar. Other favourite programs are gallan te geet (ਗੱਲਾਂ ਤੇ ਗੀਤ), doctor nu milo (ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨੂੰ ਮਿਲੋ), antakshri (ਅੰਤਾਕਸ਼ਰੀ) and ajj da masla (ਅੱਜ ਦਾ ਮੱਸਲਾ) transmitted on DD Punjabi. 

Windmill hubs and blades discharged

Windmill blade and hub at Kandla port

The windmill hubs and windmill blades which we had loaded at Tuticorin, have been successfully discharged at Kandla. This consignment had come from China and was waiting to be transported to port of  Gujrat. Background in the photos speaks clearly of the filth, 

Discharged windmill blades in the background

chaos and mismanagement. We had a chance to go ashore. I had decided to go to Gandhidham Gurudwara with my family. Other than enjoying keertan (ਕੀਰਤਨ) and langar (ਲੰਗਰ) there is nothing worthy of mention. The roads are littered with potholes and loose dirt. There was dust all around & suspended in the air. The worst part was the initial about a kilometer of ride from Kandla port. It was stinking beyond belief. Though the car was non A.C. and it was hot, we were forced to keep the window glasses shut. The stench was simply unbearable.

Now we have arrived at Mormugao on 28^th April late morning. We are drifting waiting to be moored to Dolphin. Vessel will be loading iron ore pellets through barges coming alongside. Vessel’s cranes will be  used. After completion loading we will be headed to N.Mangalore for loading Suzlon’s windmill blades over hatch tops.

Windmill hub being positioned on truck

Iron ore pellets will remain untouched at Karnatka and we will steam northward with blades above  and ore underneath to Kandla again.