Two Indian ships INS ‘Shardul’ and ICGS ‘Varuna’ are currently visiting Mauritius. During the course of the visit, the crew of the ships undertook community service at the Shelter for Destitute Women and Children, Forest Side on October 18, 2009.   The crew carried out repair and renovation work to the building involving carpentry, painting, wiring among other things. The computers at the Centre were repaired. On behalf of the visiting Ships, Mrs. Uma Ganapathi, spouse of the High Commissioner of India handed over stationery and other items to the Centre. The personnel of the ships organised an entertainment programme as a goodwill gesture to the children of the Centre.

2.  In another community related activity 50 crew members participated in a blood donation camp in collaboration with the Blood Transfusion cell on October 18, 2009.

3.  The community service programme and the blood donation camp are a testimony to the commitment of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to social service.

4.   The ships were open to visitors on October 18, 2009. A conducted tour was organised for the guests on the upper decks of both the ships. Brief activities relating to landing operations and pollution control measures were conducted onboard the ships. This was followed by display of arms and ammunition by both ships for visitors.

5.  Friendly Football and Volleyball matches were played between the teams of visiting ships and National Coast Guard of Mauritius. 
  
6.   The visiting ships imparted harbour training through lectures and demonstrations to the National Coast Guard of Mauritius. Topics included fire fighting, pollution control, damage control, Search and Rescue operations, Engineering subjects and anti-piracy operations. The NCG Commando team also interacted with the Marine Commando Team onboard the Indian naval ships.
             
Port Louis
October 20, 2009