Thiruvananthapuram, April 9 (IANS) After circumnavigating the globe solo in a sailboat, naval officer Lt. Cdr. Abhilash Tomy now wants to do so in a microlight for a unique double.
“He says there are others who have individually done solo’s either in the air or by sea, but no one has done it in by the seas and air. He wants to be the first person in the world to do so and as always, we are with him to achieve his dreams and ambitions,” his proud father, Lt. Cdr. (retd) V.C. Tomy, told IANS.
A resident of Kochi, the 33-year-old Tomy, who flies a Dornier aircraft for the Indian Navy, developed a passion for sailing at a young age.
He set sail in his boat, INSV Mhadei, from Mumbai Nov 1, 2012 and returned on April 6 to become the first Indian and only the second Asian to achieve this feat by going non-stop around the globe in 150 days.
He will now return to the naval headquarters for a week and then has been given two months leave to rest.
On Tuesday, for a change there was absolute unanimity on the floor of the Kerala assembly when members applauded Tomy’s courageous effort.
Soon after question hour, Speaker G. Karthikeyan said that Tomy’s effort would be a huge boost for the youth in the state and in the country.
“Being at sea for 150 days and without touching a port or making any stop, he became the first Indian and only the second Asian to achieve this marvellous feat, which shows courage and determination of the young naval officer and the assembly is happy on his feat,” said Karthikeyan.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that as he finished his solo-non stop journey he was received by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Pranab Mukherjee and the Indian Navy chief, Admiral D.K. Joshi in Mumbai on April 6.
“A naval officer will not get a better reception than this and we are all delighted that he is a fellow Keralite and all should be proud of him,” said Chandy.
Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan also praised Tomy, saying his daring feat deserves “all the accolades and we all salute his efforts”.
Left opposition legislator Thomas Chandy pointed out that Tomy is his neighbour near Alappuzha and “we all have decided to honour his gallant efforts by holding a fitting welcome when he comes to his home town shortly”.
“We will honour him by holding a snake boat rally and we all wish the chief minister, leader of opposition and speaker be present,” said Chandy.
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