THE INVISIBLE SAFETY NET

The telegraph and the skeletal head!

This duo of the sailing world usurps the iconic pair of Batman and the Joker...explaining the dichotomy of the sailing profession so well. No doubt, a seasoned sailor once said - 'sailing is hours of ecstasy interrupted by moments of panic, it is the fine art of getting quite wet and quite ill, while slowly going nowhere at great expense!' (Pun intended)

For sailors, life comes in waves and they have learnt to ride them! From storms to laycans, their bag nasty wraps in itself a breathtaking mosaic of the battles they have won.

Yes, our sailors with a stormy mind and heart rule the trade, each time with a new contract, new set of people, each time starting afresh with a clean slate.

But why rest that stormy mind and heart? Why not give it a sense of purpose instead?

Dehradun Mariners Association was born as a result. In 1980, it was crafted...not produced, crafted over the years. This association headed by Capt Sandeep Taimini, with Capt. Arnab Roy as the Vice President knows only one direction: fast forward! So, ideally it is equipped with one of the most dynamic teams.

Dehradun is home to some of the stalwarts of shipping, and this powerhouse is an epitome of selfless service provided by the members, who work tirelessly for the welfare of the mariner fraternity, be it supporting social causes, providing scholarships or mentoring those who look up to them. It is the invisible safety net without a doubt. In times of distress, their efforts know no boundaries and distances don't matter, they reach out to help seafarers and their families.

It was recently felicitated by the International Maritime Business Academy for the same spirit.