Aneela Nike Post: A Sea-side Chat with a Vice-Admiral in Uran

Monsoon brings out the best in nature. And it’s fascinating to spend the weekend in the rains in the midst of nature. I spent a weekend at the sea side shack at Uran, close to the sea, with the rains, sea was in full force and the waves exhibiting its fury. But staying near the sea at Uran Plaza, a sea-side resort was an enjoyable, scary and an unique experience.

Uran is about 50-60 km from Mumbai by road. Driving during the week-end on the highway to Uran in the rainy season was exciting. A Traveller, mini-bus ahead of us had a fascinating sentence painted on the rear side, in Marathi – ‘Pahu nako, Premath padnar!’ (Don’t look, you might fall in love). Crossing the creek to Navi Mumbai, Ulve and Dronagiri, very soon we reached Uran town and then on to Uran Plaza, home to Vice-Admiral (Retd) JTG Pereira, who served nearly four decades in the Indian Navy.

Uran is named after the Goddess Uranavati. In ancient times it was called Urvarntavan. During the reign of Peshwa Madhavrao, it was called Uruvan. The Portugese and British called the place Ooran. Uran has witnessed the rule of many dynasties. The Mauryas, Chalukyas, Yadavs, Shilahars, Nagarshahs, Portugese, Marathas and British have ruled over Uran through the centuries.

I spent a day and a night on a week-end at one of the shacks/cottages facing the sea. The almost nine acre sea-facing plot is home to the Vice-Admiral. He resides in a uniquely designed and imposing house, which merges with the surrounding. It is well laid out and tastefully decorated. He lives here with a band of 12 people working for him. He rents out the rooms and cottages to families, groups and tourists. And they also serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian food to the guests. One can relax by the sea-front in simple but well laid out rooms and dine on some excellent cuisine both continental and Indian. People come here especially for the sea food. An ideal weekend spot to relax, drink and eat, and rejuvenate the mind and body.

A beautifullly designed home where
Pereira lives amongst nature

It was here I met the Vice-Admiral relaxing and soaking in the serene atmosphere. Smiling, he invited me into his home; and had a chat with him. While shaking hands with him, he said, you are a tough man. I am yet trying to figure out the tough man thing – may be because of my height and build he must have said so. He lives here with a couple of dogs, very protective of its master; who don’t allow anyone to come close to him. Presently he is 92 years old, fit, erect an alert for his age, though he sometimes needs a walker for support. He has a good memory and still clearly remembers his younger days.

The cottage where I stayed for a
day & night on the sea front

The house is well laid out with good old wooden furniture with black and white photographs of him in uniform with Lord Mounbatten, Indira Gandhi and other dignitaries. He had joined the Indian navy in 1939 and retired in 1979 after 40 years of meritorious service. He informs he is not in touch with the present senior officers, some of whom were junior to him during his tenure. He adds, the present generation of officers, are smart, qualified and capable. And informs Indian Navy is a well disciplined force and always ready to meet any eventuality.

He was watching the first India-England cricket Test being played in England. He was disappointed with the Indian bowlers that they couldn’t contain or bowl out the English tail-end batsmen. During our chat, he casually inquired as to what sport I played in during my younger days. And as I replied, cricket; he mentioned he played good hockey in his younger days.

The sea in full fury

He further told me, his father was an Indian from Malabar, precisely Kannur in Kerala and his mother, English. He vividly remembers his days in Kannur, Cannanore and nearby places where he spent his childhood days. His children live in Mumbai, and they visit him on and off. He mentioned about his daughter and son-in-law. He occasionally visits Mumbai to be among his family and friends for festivals and parties. The conversation slowly touched about the new Prime Minister N Modi; he said, he spent some years in Ahmedabad and believes he is a capable man, but Delhi is different? He hopes he will be able to manage.

The sit-out at the cottages

Uran Plaza was founded by the Vice Admiral and his wife (Late Joyce Periera). The beach resort serves as a perfect get-away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. The palm fringed resort with refreshing sea breeze; sleeping on the hammock is an ideal place to just forget the world. Though they don’t intentionally publicize or advertise the resort, visitors generally go there through word of mouth. And its a nice place to be right next to the sea.

On the next day, Sunday, when I went to bid him goodbye, I was informed by his staff that he had gone to the church in Uran town. I love his spirit and zest for living far away from the city in company of the sea, dogs and loyal staff, and the waves reminding him of his good old days. It seems the sailor in him loves to be close to the see. He is a jolly good fellow!

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