Commander Ambalathingal Chacko Jose was the Executive Officer of the good 'ole Krishna, when I was posted on board for my 'Watchkeeping Ticket'. A gentleman to the core, he was soft spoken and kind, the quintessential senior that nurtures his juniors. He could also be tough and demanding in the work that he expected his shipmates to deliver.
The 'XO' can make or break a ship by his conduct and sets the business rules on board the ship, as required by the Commanding Officer. Krishna was a taut ship that fulfilled every operational task assigned to her while carrying out the primary role of training the future - the six monthly training schedule of the Midshipmen. Your's truly was the 'Sub of the Gun', being the junior most officer in charge of the general conduct of these young men. While going through the paces of training, Cdr Jose was a mentor par excellence.
And I've had many occasions to interact with the family on a social level and have always enjoyed every tryst of mine with them - the Joses (Mrs. Gladys Jose and the children, Reshma and Ramith) were a charming family.
I was singularly lucky for getting a second opportunity to be with them at Agrani in Coimbatore. For us, it was a continuation of a lovely relationship when they showered their love and affection on me.
It was that association that passed through my mind in a quick flashback, when I was informed about his passing into the mist of time, this morning.
RIP, sir! My prayers, tears and salute to a wonderful officer and a thorough gentleman. I shall ever remain indebted to you for your kindness and for taking me under your tutelage. May Mrs. Jose and the children have the strength to tide over these difficult times.
Tailpiece.
Two years back, I'd met the Joses at an official function and the genuine thrill on seeing me, writ large on his face, had humbled me. We'd exchanged our contact numbers and I'd promised to meet them but, as usual, the eagerness of living my own life has robbed me of that opportunity. A tremendous loss indeed!
The 'XO' can make or break a ship by his conduct and sets the business rules on board the ship, as required by the Commanding Officer. Krishna was a taut ship that fulfilled every operational task assigned to her while carrying out the primary role of training the future - the six monthly training schedule of the Midshipmen. Your's truly was the 'Sub of the Gun', being the junior most officer in charge of the general conduct of these young men. While going through the paces of training, Cdr Jose was a mentor par excellence.
And I've had many occasions to interact with the family on a social level and have always enjoyed every tryst of mine with them - the Joses (Mrs. Gladys Jose and the children, Reshma and Ramith) were a charming family.
I was singularly lucky for getting a second opportunity to be with them at Agrani in Coimbatore. For us, it was a continuation of a lovely relationship when they showered their love and affection on me.
It was that association that passed through my mind in a quick flashback, when I was informed about his passing into the mist of time, this morning.
RIP, sir! My prayers, tears and salute to a wonderful officer and a thorough gentleman. I shall ever remain indebted to you for your kindness and for taking me under your tutelage. May Mrs. Jose and the children have the strength to tide over these difficult times.
Tailpiece.
Two years back, I'd met the Joses at an official function and the genuine thrill on seeing me, writ large on his face, had humbled me. We'd exchanged our contact numbers and I'd promised to meet them but, as usual, the eagerness of living my own life has robbed me of that opportunity. A tremendous loss indeed!
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