In tribute.

Today, I'd received a mail from a coursemate of mine who'd attached a fine article written by Ameeta Mulla Wattal who's the Principal of the Springdales School on Pusa Road, Delhi. She also happens to be the daughter of the Indian Navy's hero of the '71 war, Captain MN Mulla, MVC who'd skippered the ill fated INS Khukri and had gone down gallantly while helping many of his shipmates to escape from the sinking ship! His brave action has already become folklore and will continue to inspire navymen in the years to come.

I was particularly touched by the proud daughter's efforts to analyse her father's action out of the probable reasons that she enumerates and comes with a clear answer, being her father's daughter. Without diluting her thoughts, I'd like to quote her as she analyses her father's driving motive in doing what he did then:-
"Was it a quest for immortality beyond death? Or was it an old naval tradition or did he make the choice because he felt it was the right thing to do?''
And she answers it in her own way when she says and I quote, "knowing him as I did, he felt that it was the right thing and it was the only thing that he would do".

Ameeta, you've just confirmed what many of us have always believed to be the truth. Your father is a hero and you can justifiably be proud of him!