AN OCTOGENARIAN ADMIRABLE ADMIRAL
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An evening with a gladiatorial Octogenarian veteran is bound to be lofty and cheerfully charged. Cdr Vijay Vadhera, Secy Navy foundation Mumbai Chapter conferred on me the honour to present two mementoes to RAdm NN Anand, AVSM, NM residing at Matunga; One on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff and the other on behalf of the President NFMC. The appointment concurred for Friday evening.
An evening with a gladiatorial Octogenarian veteran is bound to be lofty and cheerfully charged. Cdr Vijay Vadhera, Secy Navy foundation Mumbai Chapter conferred on me the honour to present two mementoes to RAdm NN Anand, AVSM, NM residing at Matunga; One on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff and the other on behalf of the President NFMC. The appointment concurred for Friday evening.
Meena and I were greeted by a tall, fair, beaming and frolicsome Admiral, as we ascended the spic wooden stairway to his first floor Palatial abode. The corridor either side was exquisitely adorned with Naval memorabilia of mid last century. The spacious drawing room was akin to a grandiose royal suite. No sooner we comforted in the grand sofas, the Maid entered with ‘Nariyan Paani’, the sweetest ever that we had ever tasted. Meena didn’t hesitate to ask for more. The Admiral rang up for Dosas from his ground floor ‘Mani Lunch Home’. The distinctive Dosas’ aroma became even more delectable as the Admiral recounted his times in the incipient Indian Navy, from 1952 when he joined the 8th NDA course as a cadet from New Delhi, his specialisation in Communications, his three Ship’s commands including Himgiri and Vindhyagiri, Operation Python of 1971 War, the formidability of the lone ranger - the Submarine and his tenure in the NDA in the mid 80s as DepCom. The Adm consolidated reforms of NDA improving on the services training teams and making good the full complement of Sailboats for Navy and Gliders for the Air Force. He mentioned of the two categories of the cadets, the ‘Sophisticated Urban’ and the ‘Rustic Rural’ who are poles apart in the first term, transform into one flock by 4th term. I have interacted with a few of his cadets and they have fond memories of the Admiral and remember him dearly.
The Admiral recounted his times with his family too. Mrs Anand, a Gynaecologist by profession had left for her heavenly abode 6 yrs ago. Both his Sons Amit and Bharat have settled in Boston and happily married. The elder one is a Doctor and younger a Vice Dean of Harvard Univ. Next week Adm Anand shall proceed for his Annual visit to US of A, to be with them for 3 weeks.
It was then my privilege to present the Mementos to the Admiral as Meena clicked the Pics. The one from the CNS is a Plaque while the NFMC has designed an elegant Sailboat with a Clock, reminding us of the glorious moments spent in our fine Indian Navy.
The Admiral spends his weekends at his Palghar Farm House and has particularly invited us there, on his return from the USA. He escorted us down to our car to see us off. It was my privilege again to present a copy of Quarter Deck-2019 to him, before setting course to our Borivali Home after bidding the Adm Good Bye. An Evening to remember and cherish. Looking forward to a visit to Adm’s Palghar Farm-house.
The Admiral spends his weekends at his Palghar Farm House and has particularly invited us there, on his return from the USA. He escorted us down to our car to see us off. It was my privilege again to present a copy of Quarter Deck-2019 to him, before setting course to our Borivali Home after bidding the Adm Good Bye. An Evening to remember and cherish. Looking forward to a visit to Adm’s Palghar Farm-house.
Commander Rajeev Kanwara Recalls... I had the privilege of serving under baby Anand as called by his contemporaries and then known to all. I served under him as OIC NTT till I got transferred in 1988. The NDA tenure is generally for two years. I was one of those who did a 3 years tenure thanks to Admiral Anand.
ReplyDeleteThe admiral was a very hard taskmaster but once you clear this hurdle, then you are almost safe. He was an excellent host. The admiral was not particularly fond of dogs but knew when to pat the commandant's dogs. Suddenly one day, on my visit to his house, I saw him coming down with two Doberman pups.
I asked him the reason for this change in love for dogs. His reply, I may retire after this tenure. I want to settle down at my Panvel farmhouse. Doberman is a one-man loyalty dog and I want them to be loyal to me only..well I did notice Two coffee table books on how to bring up Doberman.Sad to hear about the sad demise of Mrs Anand. May her soul rest in peace.
Capt Mohan Ram recalls... He was a couple of years my senior. His Don's were in Campion School with my son earlier and then shifted to Cathedral. A smart and handsome officer.
ReplyDeleteSucha Singh recalls... My first and adorable Commanding Officer of F34 in 1975. Most impressive to the core. Salutations to dear Admiral Sir.
ReplyDeleteCapt Mohan Ram further recalls.... Baby Anand (his nickname) and Cdr. Gupte married sisters. Lalta Gupte retired as Director and member of the board of ICICI bank. She and I got the FIE Foundation award at Ichalkaranji together from the CM of Maharashtra.
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Cmde Ramesh kumar recalls...Amazing fit Admiral I must say. I did not have the good fortune to serve with the admiral though I heard of him quite often. Mostly one heard admiration from those who were privileged to serve under him.
ReplyDeleteCmde Ranjit B Rai recalls...Radm Anand tall and handsome Long C was known as Baby Anand and first met us Cadets 14th Course on INS Tir when he was a role model on Cdr Russi Gandhi's ship INS Cauvery as a Lt. He commissioned INS Vindhyagiri with elan to hand over to me as I recollect........Mrs Anand was a Doctor.....memories are made of this.
ReplyDeleteI got my watch-keeping ticket from him in 1975 on board INS Himgiri. He was a Commander then and so ahead of his times that he was called 'Baby' Anand. Each one of us tailored our professional lives in his likeness: always cool, always knowing what to do, always encouraging juniors and empowering them and always forgiving of honest mistakes.
ReplyDeleteHis XO was the then LtCdr Harinder Singh. Years later when he took over as FOC-in-C (South), my wife and I were privileged to have been invited to his house for dinner. During the course of the evening, Admiral Harinder Singh told us that Baby Anand was his most unforgettable CO and that every time he (Harinder) was faced with a professional situation he asked himself how would Baby Anand would have handled it.
Imagine that. From us being at the lowest rung on his ship to Harinder at the highest rung, all of us felt the same.
Can't imagine him now as an octogenarian. I would always recall him as 'young' and encouraging. We as Acting Sub Lieuts were given a chance by him to actually anchor the ship in Bombay harbour. I once saw NO Vindhyagiri bringing the ship alongside by conning her from Bridge Top and the CO (Baby Anand) stayed on the enclosed Bridge. I can't imagine any present day CO risking it.
Admiral Anand is one of his kind.
Wow Ravi Sir, Wownderful value addition and admirational tribute to your Commanding Officer...Naman to Adm Anand and those trained by him.
ReplyDeleteHeart warming account of Handsome octogenarian Adm Anand.
ReplyDeleteOne can learn a few lessons of life from such a living legends of Indian Navy.Wish him good health and Happiness.
Alka P Wanikar
ReplyDeleteDear Cdr Rajeev Kanwara, Capt Mohan Ram, Sucha Singh, Cmde Ramesh Kumar, Cmde Ranjit B Rai, Sunbyanyname (Cmde Ravinder PS Ravi) and Alka P Waniker...Adm NN Anand is presently at his Farm-house and out of internet reach. He has requested me to convey to each one of you his deep appreciation for your comments on this Blog....He is truly humbled for your love expressed for him....Warm Regards...Jai Hind.
ReplyDeleteVinod Kumar Pandey writes... When my self posted in INS Angre . NN Anand sir my CO.
ReplyDeleteDear Vinod Kumar Pandey...Adm NN Anand is presently at his Farm-house and out of internet reach. He has requested me to convey to you his deep appreciation for you having remembered him....He is truly humbled ....Warm Regards...Jai Hind.
ReplyDelete