IMF & RCPC Coastal Clean-Up Valedictory Function
The Valedictory Function of the Ocean Savers of India (Coastal and River Clean Up) was held at the Poona Club on 14 July 2023, which was co-hosted by Indian Maritime Foundation and The Rotary Club, Pune Central.
Brigadier PK Muralidharan Raja, SM, VSM, (Retd), President of Rotary Club, Pune Central, was the Chief Guest on the occasion and was accompanied by Mrs Raja. Brig Raja was commissioned into 2 JAT Regiment on 13 June 1976 and retired from the Indian Army on 30 November 2013 as Commandant, Army Institute of Physical Training, Pune. He is the President, Indian Boxing Council as well as the Director, Commonwealth Boxing Council, UK and has also participated as a boxing official at major international sporting events. He was Chef de Mission of the Indian Contingent at the London Olympic Games 2012, the Referee & Judge (Boxing) at Athens Olympic Games 2004, AIBA Boxing World Championships in 2003 & 2004, Asian Games 2002 (Busan) and 2006 (Doha), Chairman of Jury – Asian Games 2010 ( Guangzhou), Commonwealth Games 1998 (Kuala Lumpur), 2002 (Manchester), Melbourne (2006) and Organiser CWG 2010 Delhi. He was also the Secretary General, Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (2004 –2012) and Executive Committee Member, Indian Olympic Association (2004 – 2012).
The Valedictory Function commenced with an address by Capt Anand Dixit, President IMF, which was followed by a brief on the Coastal and River Clean Up activities for 2024, by Cmde PK Malhotra (Retd), Director OSI.
On the occasion, all dignitaries spoke on the importance of rivers, seas and oceans towards keeping a balance in the environment in terms of temperature, oxygen levels and providing marine resources essential for the existence and survival of all living species, including human beings. They lamented the harm being done to the environment by polluting these water bodies with toxic chemicals, human sewage as well as a massive amount of plastic, all of which would ultimately enter the food chain of human beings and adversely affect our health. All present – especially the younger generation – were entreated to spread the message to others in their circle of friends, family and acquaintances of the importance of protecting these water bodies from such harmful activities. A special documentary film on the effect of plastic pollution to bird and marine life in the Pacific Ocean was also screened.
Thereafter trophies and cash awards were presented as follows:-
- A new trophy instituted by IMF to honour the memory of its Founder & first President for the maximum contribution by an individual towards clean and safe seas since formation of OSI was awarded to Capt Gopi Shetty.
- Geeta Vir Trophy for the maximum contribution by a school or an organisation was again claimed by BCM Arya, Ludhiana.
- Premchand & Sushila Devi Aggarwal Trophy was claimed by Sea Scouts & Guides, Pune.
- Chaudhary Ran Singh Phogat trophy again was claimed by Sea Cadets Corps, Pune.
- Sakhrani Family Trophy and cash award was given to Anjuman Islam School.
- R P Kapoor trophy for maximum contribution towards safe environment along with a cash award were awarded to Mrs Vipra Kale.
- A special cash award and a gift to the best teacher, donated by PP Rtn Uday Dharmadhikari, was presented to Mrs Shagufta Anwar of Anjuman Islam.
- Three cash awards were presented to Mrs Bhargava, Coordinator OSI India ( North), for her unstinting support towards noble cause of clean river banks.
We were honoured by the presence of VAdm JW Korde PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), President NFPC accompanied by Mrs Aruna Korde, RAdm RJ Nadkarni, AVSM, VSM (Retd), IPP Rtn Cmde Ajay Chitnis, SC, NM (Retd) and Cdr Rajib Bhattacharjee.
Special thanks are also due to Mr Raman Kapoor (Delhi), Mr. Vinod Aggarwal (Mumbai), Rtn Giri Sakhrani (Pune), PP Rtn Uday Dharmadhikari (Pune) and Rtn Oni Kakakajiwala ( Pune) for the support and contribution to the OSI.
IMF would also like to thank all Rotarians, Council Members IMF, students and children from Sea Scouts & Guides, Sea Cadets Corps, Anjuman Islam, Boys Brigade , Residents of Salunke Vihar & officials of OSI for their presence on the occasion and support extended to the OSI.
The function was conducted by Director OSI (India) and was appreciated by all present. It concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Cdr Mukund Yeolekar, Editor Seagull.
To know more about River and Coastal Clean Up activities conducted by IMF, click here and to know more about the Ocean Savers of India, click here.
Some photos of the event are attached.
