Delphine Estibeiro –
The annual DRACEA gathering brought together cadets, alumni, and stalwarts of the maritime fraternity for an evening of camaraderie, recognition, and celebration. Hosted at the Willingdon Club, the event was marked by heartfelt addresses, spirited awards, and a strong sense of community.
Captain Rajesh Tandon, President, DRACEA, opened the evening with a warm welcome, acknowledging the presence of senior captains and their families who have long served as mentors and role models. Tokens of appreciation were presented to Captains Homi Treasuriwala, D Roy Choudhury, and Mervyn Sequeira, underscoring the enduring bonds of mentorship within the maritime community.
The evening also highlighted the contributions of sponsors and organizers. Special recognition was given to Captain Raghav and his team for their tireless efforts in coordinating the event, as well as to sponsors such as FOSMA and Prudence for their generous support.
Awards added sparkle to the night, ranging from “Best Dressed” honours to recognition for the youngest participant and contributors to the souvenir publication. A particularly memorable moment came when Captain Raj Likhari, celebrated for his artistry, gifted a painting titled The Captain with the White Beard to senior Captain Dev Masurekar.
The event concluded with gratitude extended to the organizing committee, sponsors, and hosts, reaffirming DRACEA’s role as a cornerstone of maritime fellowship. As Captain Tandon noted, “All hands have to unite to make something a success — and tonight, we did that very well.
Marex Media