By Hemang Palan 

India’s leading shipping associations, The Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) and The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) have recommended ‘Padma Vibhushan’ honour for a 102-year old Indian shipping industry veteran, Capt JC Anand.

Both MASSA and CMMI have submitted their recommendations to the Padma Awards Committee of India headed by the cabinet secretary of India. The committee also includes home secretary of government of India, secretary to the president of India and four to six eminent persons as members.

“In 1975, Capt JC Anand made his ambition to create an “Indian Classification Society” as till date, the scenario was dominated by Europe. After a herculean struggle, and multiple rule changes, his dream was finally achieved when India Register of Shipping (IRS) became a full member of International Association of Classification Societies in 2010. This was a significant event, as it catapulted India into the ‘big league’ of global maritime industry,” said Capt Shiv Halbe – the chief executive officer of MASSA.

It is estimated that over the years, the Indian Shipowners saved in excess of USD 100 million by way of foreign exchange outgo by certifying their ships with IRS, rather than foreign entities. Another benefit of IRS is that it provided significant employment opportunities for masters and chief engineers, thereby stemming the ‘brain drain’, and creating a talent pool ashore of seafarers.

Capt Mahendra Bhasin, chairman, CMMI, said: “In 1957, Capt JC Anand co-founded CMMI which serves as an advisory body for the Directorate General of shipping of India. He is a luminary whose immense contribution to the growth of the Indian shipping industry has made us proud. His leadership extended to being the first CEO to introduce containerization in India and organizing India’s first Shipping and Ship Building Conference in 1961.”

Capt JC Anand’s contributions have transcended national boundaries, establishing a legacy of excellence in the maritime industry. Over 86 years of service devoted to advancing Indian shipping has made him a national treasure and a respected figure in the global maritime community. His profound impact and steadfast dedication embody the values of the Padma Vibhushan Award,” added Capt Bhasin.

“An enthusiastic member of the Indian shipping industry, Capt JC Anand continues to inspire the Indian seafaring community and is also a role model for young students who wish to become world-class merchant navy officers.  He is an iconic personality who certainly deserves a Padma Vibhushan honour,” said Vineet Gupta, managing director, Anglo Eastern Ship Management India – the largest employer of Indian seafarers.

Born on March 4, 1922, in Sargodha, Punjab (Undivided India), Capt. Anand was deeply influenced by his father’s service in the defence sector. At just 16 years old, he commenced his maritime career aboard the Training Ship "Dufferin" in 1938. He subsequently joined the Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., where he advanced to become the Chief Marine Superintendent. His remarkable expertise and commitment led him to establish himself as a distinguished ship owner and maritime leader. He thereafter became a ship owner and also served as a president of Indian national Shipowners Association (INSA). Informatively, he served as chairman of IRS for more than a decade without any honorarium. As INSA president from 1974 to 1977, he oversaw significant growth in Indian shipping. As of today, Capt JC Anand’s expertise has been consistently sought after by numerous institutions, including Mazagaon Dock Ltd, Garden Reach Ship Builders and Engineers, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, and the National Shipping Board.
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The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day on 26 January. Padma Vibhushan award is given to an individual for his or her exceptional and distinguished service. While no rigid criteria or trenchant formula for selection is applied by the Padma Awards Committee, it looks for life time achievement of an individual while making a selection. There ought to be an element of public service in the achievements of the person to be selected. The award is given for ‘special services’ and not merely for long service. It should not be merely excellence in a particular field, but the criteria has to be “excellence plus”. Padma Awards were instituted in 1954.