City's oldest naval officer
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 15 — Rear Adm Pritam Singh Mahindroo, better known as "Peter" to his many friends, both in the Indian Navy and outside, died here last week. He was perhaps the oldest and seniormost naval officer living a retired life here. He died at Military Hospital, Chandi Mandir. He was 82 and is survived by his wife and two sons.

Though he was not keeping good health, he gladly agreed to give his views to Chandigarh Tribune on Adm V.S. Bhagwat's controversy.

Admiral Mahindroo had a highly successful and distinguished career. He took to sea at the age of 16 as a sailor in the merchant navy. Six years later, he left the merchant navy and joined the Indian Navy immediately after World War II started. Initially he was denied entry because, being a Sikh, he refused to cut his hair. In 1939, he joined with his turban on. Between 1943 and 1944, he was the only Indian among 14 British officers on Indian Naval Ship (INS) Godavari. After Independence, he was the second-in-command of INS Rajput, the destroyer.

In 1953, he was appointed Chief Instructor at Staff College at Wellington. In 1961 when the Indian navy purchased HMS Hercules, the British aircraft carrier, "Peter" was chosen to command the ship from Belfast to Mumbai. The British authorities, however, wanted an experienced British officer to accompany the ship. "Peter" reacted sharply as he felt a ship could not have two "captains". And when HMS Hercules, later named INS Vikrant, sailed into the Arabian sea in November,1961, ''Peter'' was at the controls. For the next three years, he commanded INS Vikrant.

His distinguished career, which got him 15 service medals, including Param Vishisht Seva medal from the then President V.V. Giri in 1973, came to an end as he retired as Director-general, Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

After retirement, it was Chandigarh he decided to live in. Golf and reading became his best pastime. But knee problems and failing eyesight because of cataract at times kept him away from both. gardening and listening to Gurbani were his other favourite hobbies.

Vice-Admiral R.K.S. Gandhi, a former Governor of Himachal Pradesh, in a tribute to "Peter", described him as a ''fine gentleman, outstanding sailor and great leader who will be missed by all who knew him."

After graduating from the Training Ship "Dufferin", he joined the Navy at the start of World War II and very soon caught the eye of his seniors by his professional efficiency.

"In 1943, he was the navigator of the Indian Frigate Godavari that embarked King George VI of England and led the entire huge wartime British fleet for exercises in the North Sea.

"Mahindroo represented the Navy at the Victory Parade in London in 1945. He held many distinguished assignments which included Chief Instructor at Staff College and the first Captain of INS Vikrant.

"Admiral Mahindroo retired in Chandigarh after a glorious innings and in retirement devoted his time for the betterment and welfare of ex-servicemen," wrote Vice-Admiral Gandhi.

The bhog ceremony of Admiral Mahindroo will be held at the Sector 8 gurdwara on Sunday between 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.

Vani reviving spiritual feeling
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Oct 15 — "The trend towards devotional music reflects the revival of the great spiritual feeling which India represents and is a welcome change,'' Vani Jairam, noted classical singer and winner of three President's awards, said while talking to the TNS here today.

She added that singing 'bhajan' was the only way to come to terms with whatever life offered. More importantly, it provided the singer and the audience peace of mind. Listening to this music led to eternal bliss.

This is her third concert at Mansa Devi during the Navratra season. She says that though the journey all the way from Madras gets tiring, she looks forward to performing at the shrine.

"I love to sing at this place even though it is not a concert platform. I feel blessed to be given a chance to perform before an audience who receives 'bhajans' well. Appreciation is all that inspiration is about,'' she says.

Commenting on devotional songs by noted singers flooding the market, she says, "Music is a true replica of whatever the singer feels inside. I aim to give unpolluted devotional music which is received well. It is all about elevating the taste of the audience in the genre of music one specialises in.''

With a career spanning 30 years, Vani Jairam feels she has a long way to go and a lot to learn. "I am only a drop in a vast ocean and there is enough talent in devotional music waiting to be tapped. For this reason alone, I spend a lot of time and effort in learning new things,'' she says.

Later in life, she plans to establish a school to pass on her experience and expertise to the younger generation.

At her performance in the evening at the Mansa Devi temple, melodious notes of devotional songs in her tempered voice filled Satsang Hall on the temple premises. She began the programme with a 'shloka' in praise of Lord Ganesha. A bhajan on Mata Mansa Devi, 'Mata Mansa Sharan Teri Hum Aaye', written and composed by her came next.

This was followed by traditional 'bhajan' like 'Mai Maine Govind Lio Mol', 'Shyam Bin Palak Na Laage Mori', Shankar Vandana and many others before ending with an 'aarti' of Mansa Devi.