Meet Anil Deswal: A Mariner Who Rules The Sea, Pen, Paper & Hearts

In this episode of MarineX Radio, Mr. Anil Deswal, a distinguished marine engineer with over two decades of experience in the maritime industry, shared his remarkable journey.

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As a Chief Engineer and now a Maritime Technical Expert (And an accomplished Author), Mr. Deswal’s story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep passion for both his profession and writing.

This conversation provided insights into his career, the challenges he faced, and the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations.

Clearly, His story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance and passion, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve remarkable success, both at sea and beyond.

A must watch for all maritime professionals!

From Humble Beginnings to a Global Stage

Mr. Deswal's journey began in a small village in the Rohtak district of Haryana. His early education took place in the village school, where he only began learning the alphabet in the sixth grade. Despite this late start, he quickly established himself as a bright and determined student.

The transition from his village school to a city school in Rohtak, where English was the medium of instruction, was daunting. He initially struggled with the language barrier, even to the point of not knowing how to ask for permission to use the restroom in English.

However, this challenge only fuelled his determination to master both Hindi and English, setting the stage for his future success.

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As he progressed through his education, Mr. Deswal’s perseverance paid off. His dedication to learning enabled him to overcome these early obstacles, and by the time he joined DMET (now known as Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Kolkata) in 1991, he had laid a strong foundation for what would become an illustrious career.

The Transformative DMET Experience

Joining DMET was a pivotal moment in Mr. Deswal's life. The institution not only provided him with technical knowledge but also helped shape him into a cosmopolitan individual.

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The rich history and diverse culture of DMET nurtured his love for literature, philosophy, and language, areas he would continue to explore throughout his life.

It was during his time at DMET that he began to cultivate his passion for writing, a passion that would eventually lead to the publication of several books.

Mr. Deswal fondly recalled the culture at DMET, which encouraged reading and personal growth. A senior at the institution, Atul Kumar Singh, advised him to start reading novels to improve his English and broaden his horizons.

This advice proved invaluable, as it helped Mr. Deswal develop a deep love for literature, which would later inspire him to write his own books.

A Career at Sea: Navigating the Highs and Lows

After graduating from DMET, Mr. Deswal embarked on a career in maritime engineering. His first assignment was aboard the MT Pacifica, marking the beginning of a long and successful career at sea. Over the years, he sailed on various tankers—chemical, crude oil, and more—eventually rising through the ranks to become a Chief Engineer in 2005.

His career took him to several prominent companies, including Selandia, Anglo-Eastern, and Synergy.

Life at sea was not without its challenges, but Mr. Deswal found great fulfilment in his work. He described the unique experiences and lessons that only a life at sea could provide, from navigating the perils of the ocean to managing complex engineering tasks.

Each experience contributed to his growth as both a professional and an individual.

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In addition to his work at sea, Mr. Deswal also held roles as a Manning Superintendent and HR Superintendent, even serving as the head of ESM’s Delhi office for a time. However, he soon realised that the monotony of office life did not suit him, leading him to return to the sea, where he felt most at home.

A Passion for Writing: Crafting Poetry and Prose

Mr. Deswal’s love for writing, which began during his time at DMET, blossomed into a full-fledged passion later in life. His first book, a Hindi poetry collection titled Ankahi, was published in 2017 by Notion Press.

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ANKAHI," meaning "UNTOLD," a collection of poems written over the five years, much of it while at sea. The book is deeply influenced by his rustic upbringing in a close-knit village and the solitude of life at sea.

His profound spirituality is evident throughout, reflecting a belief that the past should be cherished as it guides us toward a better future. As the eldest son of Dharampal Deswal, a literature professor and expert in Hindi and Sanskrit, and Sukhdevi, a teacher, Anil's early life in a rural setting and the tales from his joint family have shaped his worldview.

His time spent isolated from society and family has left an indelible mark on his psyche, captured in the evocative verses of this book. Anil believes that nature has her own stories to tell, if only one listens closely.

The book reflects his thoughts and emotions, covering a wide range of topics from the beauty of the sea to the intricacies of human relationships.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Deswal expanded his literary repertoire by publishing Queen Corona Coronation through Olympia Publishers, one of the top five publishers in the world. This new venture demonstrated his versatility as a writer.

Queen Corona Coronation is a poignant attempt to document the COVID-19 pandemic that sent ripples across the entire world. From the ever-increasing tally of new cases and new deaths to the ever-changing, ever-inconsistent guidance for keeping safe, to the ever-elusive hunt for a vaccine, these memoirs offer a unique perspective, chronicling the monotony, fear and uncertainty that gripped the entire world. Recounting both life under lockdown and the realities of life at sea in a slowly recovering world, the author paints a stark picture of dread, isolation and, above all, hope in an unprecedented time.

He is currently working on a novel based on the life of a sailor, a project that promises to offer a compelling narrative filled with the highs and lows of maritime life.

Interestingly, Mr. Deswal’s writing process is both traditional and personal. He prefers to write with a pencil on paper, a practice that he feels keeps him connected to his thoughts.

After completing his drafts, he collaborates with a typist who assists with transcription and initial editing. This meticulous approach has allowed him to produce works that resonate deeply with readers.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Mariners and Writers

As the conversation drew to a close, Mr. Deswal offered heartfelt advice for young mariners and aspiring writers. He emphasised the importance of perseverance, particularly in the face of challenges like language barriers or academic struggles.

Reflecting on his own experiences as a backbencher who often faced supplementary exams, he underscored that these obstacles should never deter anyone from pursuing their goals.

For aspiring writers, Mr. Deswal’s message was clear: keep writing, regardless of the obstacles. He encouraged them to continue honing their craft and to have faith that there will always be an audience for their work. His own journey, marked by persistence and creativity, serves as a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance in both professional and creative endeavours.

Community and Legacy: The Importance of Giving Back

Throughout the interview, Mr. Deswal highlighted the significance of community and the importance of giving back. He spoke with great affection about the DMET community, describing it as one of the strongest and most supportive networks in the maritime industry. He urged fellow alumni to stay connected, support each other, and contribute to the growth and legacy of their alma mater.

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In his closing remarks, Mr. Deswal expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he has had and the people who have supported him along the way.

His journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming a successful marine engineer, safety consultant, and published author is nothing short of inspiring. It is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and the support of a strong community.

Clearly, Mr. Deswal’s story is more than just a tale of professional success; it is a narrative of personal growth, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of one’s passions.

Whether you are a young mariner starting your career or an aspiring writer eager to make your mark, Mr. Deswal’s journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration for navigating your own path to success.

Hope you all enjoyed this episode of MarineX Radio!

Happy Sailing!
Think Family, Safety First!