Kerala - Kochi   

Children have a feel of naval ships

Staff Reporter

Over 107 children from various special schools in Kochi had a memorable outing on board the naval ships INS Tir and INS Sujatha.

KOCHI: At first they were amused, some a bit perplexed, on being taken into a big ship. Once inside, they mingled well with the men in white who were there to help with refreshments.

Over 107 children from different special schools in Kochi, accompanied by 30 supporting staff, had a memorable time on board the Naval ships, INS Tir and INS Sujatha. The visit was organised by the Southern Naval Command on Monday (Navy Day) in connection with the ongoing Navy Week celebrations. Navy Wives' Welfare Association president (NWWA) Kanwal Bedi was the chief guest.

Most of the kids had to be carried into the ships by Navy personnel since they were unable to walk up the `ladder' to the ship. Two men dressed as Christmas fathers were there to welcome them with balloons and sweets. The kids came from YMCA's Chaitanya, Adarsh, Ashakendra, Shilpa, Raksha, Vimukti and Sankalp run by NWWA.

The kids had a tour of the Naval air station INS Garuda also. Soon after they got used to the ambience of the two vessels, magician Pallipuram Pushkaran arrived at the scene, assuring them a fun-filled afternoon.

He demonstrated a few tricks much to the amusement of those present. Vinod, one among the children, joined him in dancing. Then it was the turn of Shiny, who was enchanted to see Pushkaran taking sweets out of an empty vessel.

Captain Kishan Pandey, the ship's commanding officer, was only too pleased to hand over his official cap to a child. The kid could not have asked for more. All kids were given gifts. Towards the end of the entertainment session, they had lunch on board and dispersed with a bagful of fond memories.

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