The Annual Trustees meeting was held on the 7th of January 2020, at the residence of Cmde Rajan Vir. All Trustees were present with the exception of Capt RN Mishra, who was granted leave of absence. Cmde Vir reviewed the year gone by and outlined the activities undertaken therein. He expressed satisfaction at the way in which all the events were conducted and appreciated the efforts put in by all concerned. He also reviewed the financial position of the Foundation and stated that it was in a healthy condition.

The IMF had recently celebrated its 26th Anniversary, and for all these long years, Cmde Rajan Vir had been at the helm relentlessly pursuing the goals set and constantly striving to make IMF stronger and more meaningful. To steer such an organization, set up by a motley crew of Retired Mariners (all above 60), on a steady course, requires acumen and leadership skills of a very high order. That is what Rajan provided in his 26 years as the Founder President of the IMF. It would require a Tome to record his tenure and thus no attempt is being made here, just suffice to say that his baby – the IMF, has grown into an institution of repute, respected and recognized widely.

Coming back to the meeting, the Trustees unanimously passed the resolution reproduced below. This was read in two parts as shown:

By Cmde Rajan Vir- RESOLVED AT THE IMF TRUSTEES MEETING HELD ON 07 JANUARY 2020 THAT CAPT AC DIXIT, PRESIDENT DESIGNATE, WILL TAKE THE HELM OF INDIAN MARITIME FOUNDATION (IMF) AND THE SOCIETY OF INDIAN MARITIME ARTISTS (SIMA) AS PRESIDENT FROM COMMODORE VIR, FOUNDER PRESIDENT OF IMF AND SIMA, WITH EFFECT FROM 07 JANUARY, 2020.

By Captain Anand Dixit-COMMODORE R VIR WILL FROM THAT DATE BE DESIGNATED AS PRESIDENT EMERITUS, IMF AND SIMA FOR LIFE, TO FUNCTION IN AN ADVISORY ROLE AS AND WHEN CALLED UPON BY THE PRESIDENT IMF OR THE TRUSTEES.

COMMODORE VIR WILL CONTINUE TO FUNCTION AS MANAGING TRUSTEE OF IMF AND SIMA FOR ONE YEAR UNTIL 07 JANUARY 2021, AND THEREAFTER, AS DECIDED BY THE TRUSTEES.

It was time to hand over the reins, and Cmde Rajan Vir did it with a bouquet. The moment was captured by Naina Vir Delvis.

Capt Anand Dixit then outlined his plans for the future and spoke of the urgent need to augment the financial position of the IMF, expand its membership, find new sponsors and ensure more attention is given to the International Coastal Cleanup.

The meeting came end and with that the 26-year tenure of Cmde Rajan Vir as the Founder President of IMF. All the Trustees present wished Capt Anand Dixit the very best in all his endeavours as the President and assured him of continued support.