Indian Navy felicitated Shri JC Simon ex-CHERA, No. 27373, on his 100th birthday on 16 Jun 2023. The felicitation ceremony was conducted by HQTN and P under the aegis of IHQ MoD (N)/ DESA. The event took place at AV Complex of INS Adyar and was attended by Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Area, Cmde (ESM Affairs), Commanding Officer and sailors of INS Adyar, veteran ESM from Chennai and 40 family members of distinguished veteran. Shri JC Simon served from 01 Sep 1944 to 31 Aug 1952 in Royal Indian Navy and Indian Navy. He participated in last phase of World War II onboard HMIS Shamsher. He also served onboard three HMIS ships prior Independence. Post Independence, he served onboard old INSDelhi. CNS interacted with the centenarian and his family over a video conference, applauded him and expressed his deepest respect for him for yeoman service he rendered to nation. CNS also commended him for his invaluable contributions and called him 'the Great Grand Father of the Navy'. He assured him that Navy never forgets its veterans. Shri JC Simon was presented with a shawl and memento by FOTNA. Cmde ESM Affairs, on behalf of CNS, presented him a felicitation letter from CNS, a Centenarian Memento, a Proud Veteran Cap and a cheque of Rupees fifty one thousand. This was followed by cake cutting ceremony. The centenarian spoke with CNS and audience. He was visibly happy and stated that he was proud of Indian Navy.
