Release of the 90th Issue of Seagull

22 August 2017

Introduction

The Indian Maritime Foundation was founded in December 1993, and after a few meetings, the founding fathers decided to embark on an ambitious project – publishing a quarterly journal called Seagull, and so the first issue came out in May 1995. Capt RN Gulati was the Editor. The President and other founder members of the IMF Council were not looking beyond the first two issues, as they were sceptical about the sustainability of the project. Numerous problems were foreseen, finances being a major one amongst them. Hard work and dedication to the cause ensured that all went well and Seagull became in reality, a quarterly journal – the mouthpiece of IMF. The fact that Seagull’s 90th Issue was ceremonially released on the 22nd of August, speaks volumes of the efforts put in by a number of people. A function was organized at the Royal Connaught Boat Club, on this occasion, and Capt Rajendra Y Barve, a great supporter of IMF and Seagull by providing advertisements on behalf of Herald Maritime Services and Plainmain Quality Consultants, over the years.

Welcome Address by Cmde Rajan Vir (Retd), President IMF

The function began with the welcome address by Cmde Rajan Vir, President IMF, who besides welcoming the Chief Guest, narrated the history of Seagull, which was literally his ‘Baby’. He recounted the tough beginning, and the uphill journey and paid a fitting tribute to late Capt RN (Reggie) Gulati, who carried the Mantle of being the Editor till 2002. He also paid rich tributes to Capt Sujit Chowdhury, who took over the role after Capt Gulati, and did a commendable job till 2012, after which he continued to be a part of the Editorial Committee. Capt Anand Dixit has steered the Seagull for the last five years, and done an excellent job, Cmde Vir said. He also welcomed and thanked the Team from Ornate India, the printers of Seagull over the last ten years.

Talk by Capt Ravindra Hajarnavis, Sr Vice President IMF

The next on the podium was Capt Ravi Hajarnavis. Senior Vice President of the IMF, and the person responsible for ensuring that enough advertisements were received to sustain Seagull through the twenty odd years of its existence. He spoke of his travails in accomplishing his assigned tasks, narrating how he began using his contacts in the shipping companies, and later on convincing fellow golfers to place advertisements in the Seagull. The fact that we are in the 90th edition of the magazine speaks volumes of his convincing capabilities. After this sterling performance he has decided to hand over this onerous task to younger members, and Capt Rabi Mishra has been named as his successor as the Advertisement In-Charge of Seagull. We all wish Rabi the very best in his assignment. Capt Ravi Hajarnavis has also promised to keep helping out whenever required.

Talk by Capt Anand Dixit, Vice President IMF and Editor Seagull

Capt Anand Dixit, the current editor and Vice President IMF, then spoke about his experiences in successfully bringing out the journal over the past several years. He openly admitted his initial apprehensions in taking up the mantle from Sujit, but was assured that the Editorial Team would remain the same, only he and Sujit would exchange portfolios. He also spelt out that it was his quest to bring out more original content in the Seagull, which by all accounts has increased over the years. He thanked the editorial team and particularly Cmde Rajan Vir for his constant encouragement and immaculate proof-reading. He spoke of the wonderful experience he had with the Printers – Ornate India, and thanked them for their whole-hearted cooperation. He is also handing over the job of editor to Cdr Mukund Yeolekar after this issue, and in that context, he wished the new editor the very best.

Release of 90th Issue of Seagull by Chief Guest, Capt RY Barve

After this the 90th Issue of Seagull was ceremoniously uncovered by the Chief Guest – Capt RY Barve. Copies were presented to Cmde Vir, Capt Hajarnavis, Capt Anand Dixit, Mr. Rahul Kothe of Ornate and Capt RY Barve.

Speech by Chief Guest, Capt RY Barve

In his address, Capt Barve recounted how he got associated with IMF and how impressed he was with the dedication of the organization in spreading awareness of the oceans amongst the people of the country. He stated that he was not aware of any other similar organization or individual doing this important task in the country. About the placing of advertisements, he candidly stated that the advertisements had no commercial value since the magazine came out only once in three months and there was no ‘currency’ in the advertisements. In spite of that, he continued to place advertisements in issue after issue with the sole purpose of supporting the cause of IMF, and for his admiration of Seagull as an informative journal. He mentioned that he had been greatly impressed by the efforts made by IMF in the conservation of the marine environment, and said that he had learnt a lot.

Speech by Rahul Kothe, Ornate Publishers

Rahul Kothe of Team Ornate thanked the IMF for letting them be associated with such a wonderful magazine and assured all present that they would continue doing their very best to ensure that the quality and timeliness of the magazine are never compromised.

Vote of Thanks by Cmde Ajay Chitnis (Retd)

Cmde Chitnis was asked to propose the vote of thanks, which seems to be the norm over the last several IMF functions. To set the record straight. It was brought out that I was the editor for two issues following the resignation of Reggie Gulati, a fact that had been overlooked by all. After that Capt Sujit Chowdhury took over as I was committed to sailing on offshore vessels. While thanking all present, especially the Chief Guest, his noble gesture of continuing with the advertisements despite the fact that it did not make any commercial sense to do so, was highly appreciated. Similarly, the quest to increase the original content by Capt Anand Dixit was also highlighted, as this was and has been responsible for the continued improvement in the quality of articles published in the Seagull. Mementoes were presented to the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, and this was followed by a sumptuous lunch, bringing to an end an afternoon well spent.