Navy hosts senior citizens, special kids on board 2 warships

A softer side to the otherwise stiff military outlook was on display at the naval base here today when the Southern Naval Command hosted senior citizens, special as well as underprivileged children and personnel with special needs on board its two warships.
The personnel in white chose the day after Children's Day to make a special gesture towards the lesser fortunate members of society by playing gracious hosts to about 160 children of Don Bosco Sneha Bhavan and Valsalya Bhavan.
They were accompanied by 15 staff members from Don Bosco Welfare Centre Society, 75 special children from other various organisations of Kochi, 32 escorts and approximately 100 senior citizens.

"It was a special day for the crew of INS Sunayna, which hosted the children as they had the enriching experience of interacting with the enthusiastic innocence and exuberance of all the children," a Navy release said.
The visitors were given a guided tour of the ship which was followed by entertainment with the help of Naval band, it said.
The children also participated in the activities by engaging in karaoke.

The occasion was used by INS Sutlej to express solidarity with the senior citizens as they welcomed them onboard.
The group was taken around the jetty and shown around the ship.

The visitors thereafter witnessed a short cultural programme in addition to interacting with the ship's crew prior to lunch.
The Commanding Officers of both the ships expressed delight over being able to touch the lives of their respective special invitees.
All activities were part of the community services undertaken and co-ordinated by the Navy Wives Welfare Association (Kochi) as a precursor to Navy Week.