Colonel Chelliah Mony hailed from the village called Osaravila which is filled with greenery and paddy field and blossom of lotus and varieties of flowers and the coconut trees that are grown long and straight and where the bank of the river gives glory to the village. He was the only male among four siblings with other three daughters to Mr. Chelliah and Mrs. Yesuvadial. Colonel's mother reared him with very fond and pious which led him to grow in the love of God and devotee to God which led him to the service of God. After his higher secondary schooling the Colonel received the Call of God and joined in The Salvation Army and entered into the Training College, the session called “Over Comers” 1974-1976. I saw him as a second year cadet at the training college when I entered into the college as a cadet in the year 1975. He acquainted with all cadets as a brother to brother, friend as a friend and as a co-cadet. I can't forget his character. He had much curiosity to learn the hidden things of the Bible and always had the thirst to know the mystery and meaning the Word of God. He was very much fond and pet to the then Training Principal Commissioners V. Suganatham and Grace. He was very much eager to learn new English songs and worshipping God by playing musical instrument.
I had so many privileges to work with the Colonel when he served here in India South Eastern Territory for several years and I personally saw his tireless work and exposing his talents selflessly. Especially, he was very much eager to conduct any special meeting like divisional level or territorial level meetings, Officers' Council, General's visit, Youth Camp, Career guidance seminar and achieved great thing by successfully completing the meeting. This same spirit was long lasted up to his last breath and always he had the mind to glorify God soon after the every meeting.
'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race and I have kept my faith, henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness' (2 Timothy 4:7, 8) As per this verse the Colonel laid down his sword on 25th September 2017 even in the active service. Colonel was always so faithful to do the work which assigned by the leaders without expecting any other officers and himself successfully complete the work. Through many youth camps, he led several youths to the feet of Jesus and surrender their life to work in The Salvation Army as officers. The Colonel had very much acquainted with many Army leaders and had good relationship with other church leaders. We cannot forget the revival he made in the territory by conducting many spiritual meetings.
I saw him in very specific way that he had very good thought and very much efficient to gather very great crowd and giving good advice were his special arts and quality. Composing songs and playing musical instruments and glorifying God were still in the hearts of many people. He attended many training both in National and International level and the same teachings he shared about many seminars in the territory which enlightened many people. Colonel Mony was very much strict to adhere the orders and regulations, teachings of The Salvation Army. During his work tenure he underwent and faced many kinds of challenges, hurdles and oppositions. Yet by the strength of God he overcome all those trials and achieved many things as his session name 'Over Comer'. I can say specially he thrived a lot to get recognition to industrial training institute at Aralvaimozhy and the Colonel was the one who initiated compassion international in many centres in the territory.
Divisional development schemes, self support and educational institutions have grown up through his tireless work. As he was tallest officer he carried the TRIO colour flag and led many processions as he started from the cadetship. Colonel Chelliah Mony got the promotion to become Chief Secretary in India South Western Territory and then became Territorial Commander for India Central Territory. He had done glorious services which were appreciated by the people. He earned the love of people, soldiers, officers and leaders which proved at his last journey towards heaven. It was on 26 September 2017 the Booth Tucker Memorial Church was packed up with two retired territorial commanders, three active territorial commanders, three chief secretaries and a national secretary attended his funeral service was a proud matter.
Colonel Chelliah and Mallika Mony has two daughters, two sons and eight grand children and they are the good soldiers of The Salvation Army and received many blessings through the Colonel's service towards God. It should be our earnest responsibility that we have to remember Colonel's wife, children and grand children in our effectual prayers. As Colonel stretch forth his leg for the service of God and no turning back. As his name is Mony (seed) he fell among the good land as wheat and brought good yielding.
The Colonel laid down his sword as he received the call from the kingdom of God. Salute! Salute! Salute my dear comrade Colonel C. Mony.
Reported by: Lieut. Colonel T. Alfred (Rtd.), India South Eastern Territory
