Mona

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 19

This is for the first time in the 30 years of their marriage that Admiral Sunil Lanba (retd) has got to spend ample time with his wife Reena. They are making the most of this time by doing household chores together, tending to their garden and catching up on reading and television.

“Lockdown was a necessity and I feel proud that we have come together as a nation to follow rules and regulations set by the government. We have been able to flatten the curve together, which is remarkable,” he said.

The day begins with watering plants, forenoon is spent on finishing household chores, evening calls for some time in the garden and the day is pleasantly spent in each other’s company. “I have been on ship for a significant amount of time. It’s only now that we have each other totally,” said Admiral Lanba, who served as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy.

Work keeps him occupied even during the lockdown. Being the chairman of National Maritime Foundation, he has to address seminars, which is only possible through video-conferencing. In the leisure time, he catches up on his old books and watches television. “PG Wodehouse is out of the bookshelf again. We enjoy watching serials and old Hindi movies and spend a great time with each other,” said the lively decorated Naval officer.

During the lockdown, Admiral Lanba makes sure that he stays connected to his friends and family. “Phone really comes handy here. I chat with my friends, cousins and relatives. My wife and I spend time chatting with our kids. We love to chat with our grandson, who will turn 4 this June.” Amongst the things that he misses are his morning walks and golf time with friends.

He asserted that they needed to be careful even when the restrictions were lifted. “It’s going to be a new normal because till we have vaccine and a cure in hand, the world at large cannot be back to business as earlier. We need to take cautious steps when lockdown is lifted and follow preventive measures so that the disease doesn’t reoccur in our country.”