The Life and Work of Capt. S.S.S.Rewari
Capt. S.S.S. Rewari dedicated his life to the Indian seafarer from large maritime forums to simple, individual interactions. From sweeping changes in marine education to a single phone call to help a student in distress, for him the task was one and the same thing. To be a guru, guide and guardian to his students was of utmost importance and any pain on the face of a student reflected with pain in his own heart. He touched everyone in the most personal way. Capt. S.S.S. Rewari was born on 14th February, 1937. His association with the marine community began with the completion of his pre-sea training from T.S. 'Dufferin' in the ’53 – 54’ batch, where he secured an Extraordinary First Class. He received numerous academic honours including, in 1958, the highest marks in the Radar Observations Course examination. Capt. Rewari was awarded the President’s Gold Medal in 1962 standing first in the country in the Master Mariners Examination. He completed his Extra Master’s from Sir John Cass College, U.K. in 1968.
In addition to gaining the highest marine professional qualifications, throughout his career Capt. Rewari was dedicated to continuous learning. Professional development courses which he attended include: Trainer of Trainers Course, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management, University of Mumbai; Training Methodology, Indian Institute of Public Administration; Diploma in Personal Counselling, St. Xavier’s Institute of Counselling, Mumbai.
Capt. Rewari began his career, spanning nearly five decades, as an active seafarer and progressed through a series of remarkable academic roles that have changed the face of marine education in India.
Captain Rewari’s sparkling career as an educationalist began in 1962 at LBS CAMSAR (Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research, formerly LBS Nautical & Engineering College) in Mumbai, as a Nautical Officer. Students recount how his lectures during that period were 'standing room only' as he made even the most dry subjects interesting and full of life. His classes were open to all, each lecture different from the one before, each packed with as many lessons on life as on magnetism or ship stability.
During his 8 year tenure as Vice-Principal, LBS College he was instrumental in the commencement of some key courses for the first time in India: STCW tanker course, Extra First Class and Extra Masters.
In 1987 Capt. Rewari took the helm as Captain Superintendent of T.S. Rajendra (Now T.S. Chanakya). His years there will be best remembered for pioneering a full fledged degree program (BSc. Nautical Sciences), affiliated to Mumbai University. From that moment no graduate from this college would be denied access to higher education for want of a recognized degree.
Capt. Rewari returned to LBS in mid 1991 as Principal where he revolutionized the institution through sweeping changes such as modernizing the curriculum; completely renovating the campus; installing a Full Mission Bridge Simulator and Cargo Simulator, and arranging procurement of a Full Mission Engine Room Simulator. With these landmark installations of the first marine training simulators in India, Capt. Rewari is credited with ushering in a new era in marine education in this country.
Capt Rewari’s energy and dedication drove him to continue an active professional life after retiring from LBS, when he assumed the post of Director, Marine Education and Training, FOSMA and moved to New Delhi. During his stint with FOSMA, during which period, as with all institutions with which he has been associated, he sprang new life into the institute and fulfilled his desire of bringing education to the doorstep of seafarers.
Capt Rewari then embarked on what was to become the final stroke in a glorious professional innings – the establishing of Applied Research International (ARI). Under his guidance, and benefiting from his immense experience, knowledge and goodwill, ARI has grown to become one of the largest maritime institutes in India, offering a complete range of training solutions to companies around the globe.
At ARI, his greatest success was in building an organization capable of delivering enduring quality which will stand the test of time. To enable this he put to use a remarkable knack for assessing people, building on their strengths, thereby creating an excellent team with each faculty member carefully chosen and groomed by him. The ARI family today is more than 300 people and Capt. Rewari enjoys the love and loyalty of each one of them. He was affectionately known as ‘Uncle’ to a large and talented team of mariners, HR professionals, trainers, technologists and managers.
The team that he groomed during his time heading ARI is a strong and dedicated force. They have learnt from him his ideals and have shared his dreams. As the future unfolds, they aim to move marine education to yet a further plane. Capt. Rewari always welcomed change, and as ARI builds on the strong foundation of solid maritime education, with ARI's expertise in technology and HR, new developments and changes will continue. The platform for growth that he established will be of immense value for years to come, and his legacy will be carried forward.
Throughout his distinguished career, Captain Rewari's greatest pride and joy remained the incredible relationships he enjoyed with his students. He was deeply committed to moulding his students into better professionals and better human beings. His departure leaves a void for his students that will be difficult to fill, but it also leaves them, and the entire marine community, with a responsibility to carry forward the values and the respect for knowledge that were so close to his heart.
During his career, Capt. Rewari co-authored with Capt. T.K. Joseph benchmark academic publications including “Principles of Navigation”, “Ship’s Magnetic Compass”, and most recently, an updated edition of “Stability, Trim and Cargo Calculations on M.V. ‘Hindship’ and Oil Tankers”.
In 2001 Capt. Rewari was presented with the Fellowship of the Nautical Institute in honour of his lifelong contribution to marine education. He was Chairman, Northern and Eastern Branch of the Nautical Institute and had served many times as a member of the UPSC Selection Board.
Perhaps his greatest achievement is that he not only guided his students professionally, but by his example he also taught them how to love, share and forgive. It is these lessons of life which shall be with his students forever.
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