Pratik Bijlani –
The grand halls of the historic Royal Bombay Yacht Club carried an unusual atmosphere on the evening of 7th May. There was sorrow in the room, certainly, but it was overshadowed by something far stronger — admiration, gratitude and deep affection for a man many considered one of the architects of modern Indian shipping. Maritime leaders, master mariners, shipowners and seafarers had gathered not merely to mourn the passing of Capt. J.C. Anand, but to celebrate a life that had profoundly shaped the maritime profession for nearly nine decades.
Capt. Anand, who passed away recently at the remarkable age of 104, was remembered throughout the evening not only as a maritime pioneer, but as a mentor, institution builder and guiding force whose influence extended across generations. The gathering reflected the extraordinary respect he commanded within the maritime fraternity, with speaker after speaker sharing stories that revealed both his professional brilliance and deeply humane personality.
The evening unfolded less like a formal memorial and more like a collection of living memories. Anecdotes moved seamlessly from discussions about maritime policy and institution building to recollections of tea conversations, handwritten notes, mentorship and personal encouragement offered to maritime professionals decades ago. The stories painted the portrait of a leader who carried immense stature, yet remained approachable, warm and deeply invested in people.
Among the evening’s most heartfelt tributes came from Mr. Shyam Jagannathan, IRS, Director General of Shipping, who reflected on his own interactions with Capt. Anand and the enormous legacy he leaves behind. “Capt. J.C. Anand was not merely an individual, but an institution whose leadership, vision and guidance shaped Indian maritime history. As we gather to honour and reminisce, let us also strive to benchmark ourselves against his extraordinary contribution to the maritime fraternity and continue his legacy of inspirational leadership.” he said.
Mr. Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRClass, spoke emotionally about the decision to organize the gathering as a celebration of life rather than a conventional prayer meeting, noting that it reflected Capt. Anand’s own wishes and personality. Recalling his immense contribution to the growth of the Indian Register of Shipping, Mr. Sharma described him as a leader who built institutions patiently and strategically over decades. “Capt. J.C. Anand was a towering institution in Indian maritime history, whose visionary leadership shaped IRClass and inspired generations. Beyond his discipline and strategic brilliance was a deeply humane personality whose warmth, values and commitment to the maritime fraternity continue to guide and unite us even today.” he remarked.
For many in attendance, however, it was the deeply personal stories that captured the true essence of Capt. Anand. Dr. Deepti Mankad, Founder of Mindspeak, reflected on her experience documenting his life story through what she fondly described as “Sundays with J.C. Anand”, recalling his remarkable memory, humility and emotional depth. Capt. Rajesh Tandon, CEO of FOSMA, similarly remembered him as a mentor and father figure whose encouragement shaped the careers of countless young professionals entering the maritime world. “Capt. J.C. Anand was more than a maritime legend; he was a mentor and father figure whose warmth, memory and genuine concern for people touched generations. Every conversation with him carried wisdom, encouragement and humanity, leaving an unforgettable impact on all who had the privilege to know and learn from him.” he said.
Capt. M.P. Bhasin, Chairman of CMMI, reflected on Capt. Anand’s lifelong commitment to nation-building through maritime development, recalling his discipline, elegance and unwavering dedication to strengthening Indian maritime institutions. “Captain J.C. Anand believed in building institutions brick by brick, always putting India first. His vision, humility, discipline, and foresight laid foundations that future generations of maritime professionals will continue to build upon with pride and gratitude.” he noted.
As the evening drew to a close, one sentiment remained unmistakably clear — while Capt. J.C. Anand may no longer be physically present, his values, leadership and influence continue to live on in the institutions he helped build and in the countless maritime professionals he inspired throughout his extraordinary life.
Marex Media