There are moments in life that leave a lasting imprint – times when pride and love swell within you, making the ordinary feel extraordinary. Recently our family experienced one such day, we – kids and I visited my husband’s ship, a parcel chemical tanker docked at Mumbai; filling my heart with immense happiness and gratitude.
The joy of sharing the journey
As the wife of a master mariner; Capt. Rajesh Todiwan, I’ve had glimpses into the life of a seafarer witnessing firsthand the scale, discipline, and sacrifices involved. I had hoped my sons could one day truly understand their father’s world, not just through stories but by stepping aboard themselves – absorbing the atmosphere, meeting the crew, and watching their father in his element.
Last year my elder son Arnnav joined me in this adventure. This time my wish was to include our younger boy Abhinav, completing the circle of family happiness and it meant a lot to me. It looked nearly impossible to bring him along due to many issues logistic and others but then they say a mother’s heart is adamant when it comes to her children and mine has been one of the tallest orders in that! I wanted to try what it may take, I never give up easily but natural that I’hve been named after the warrior queen Rani Laxmi Bai!
Arnnav and I had our passes but getting a ‘Day pass’ for Abhinav was no small feat; thankfully my Armed Forces background and the respect shown to a captain’s family eased the process. Privileges like these make you reflect and fill you with gratitude; we finally set our plan in motion!
The art of a mother’s planning
To make it happen, I became part commander, part event planner and many other parts you can think of: informing his teacher Dr. Kavita Shetty, messaging the grandparents, and coordinating with our driver for a quick transfer. As my younger son neared the vessel, excitement bubbled within me manifold – I couldn’t help but break into a joyful dance my husband and the elder son had to witness! That moment captured the depths of a mother’s happiness.
Life onboard: eyes wide, hearts fuller
Stepping aboard, the port was alive with action. My husband and his team juggled the discharge of cargo, he also had to attend to the port authorities and the daily rhythm of leadership. Yet he carved out time for us – showing our sons the bridge, the engine room, the machinery, the galley and the crew cabins. He explained the challenges, dangers, and values of life at sea: respect, teamwork, adaptability, discipline, and above all, leadership.
True leaders don’t just give orders. They inspire, protect, and nurture growth. I found myself telling the boys, watching as they absorbed their father’s lessons with wide eyed wonder.
Witnessing growth and transformation
What moved me most was recognizing the transformation in my husband across two decades; we have been married for that long. From his early days as a chief officer – rebellious, fiercely principled, not very open to diplomacy – to the matured, empathetic captain he now is. Responsibility changes you; it shapes not just what you do, but how you inspire those around you.
It takes courage to stand up for what’s right, and patience to teach and explain, he once confided in me. “Every crew member depends on the other; success and safety are a collective responsibility.” These were words he lived by and taught our sons during our visit.
Qualities of a great captain
As a trainer and coach myself, I appreciated not only his spot on navigation but also his approach to mentoring and upholding teamwork. The respect in the crew’s eyes, both for their captain and for the ‘community that teaches and mentors,’ filled me with humble pride.
More than just a visit
Our day was much more than a family outing; it was a reunion of hearts, a passage of legacy, and an expression of gratitude. For my sons, it was a story I hope will help shape theirs. For me, it was another reason to feel pride and deep affection for the man I married. Nothing beats firsthand experience, I reminded myself, grateful for the opportunity to share this with my children.
A wife’s greatest joy
Seeing my husband’s growth and the impact he’s had, not just on us but on every vessel he leads, is a wife’s greatest joy. This experience reaffirmed the importance of family, responsibility, and leadership. As a seafarer’s wife, I’ve learned to appreciate the sacrifices and challenges that come with this life, and I am proud to be a part of it.
My husband often says “At sea, every day presents new challenges but with your family’s love and your crew’s trust, no horizon is unreachable.”
We are truly grateful for the warm hospitality we received on board. Even with their busy schedules, the crew welcomed us with genuine warmth that made our visit extra special. Meeting Chief Engineer Petar Popovic, Chief Mate Kyaw Phone, officers Kenneth Bryan, James Hernandez, Daryl Astorga, Cadet Tabucol Collin, the galley and service team, and every crew member was a real pleasure. Their kindness and friendly spirit added a personal touch to the visit that our family will cherish forever. The boys connected well with Peter Popovic, exchanging some valuable tips and life lessons. I am happy that this visit became a reality and shall remain grateful to OSMThome for being an awesome organisation and GAC Shipping for facilitating the visit.
Let this story be a tribute to all seafarers and their families whose journeys, both on water and land, shape lives with courage, honour and togetherness.
