NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, MARCH 8
The School of Integrated Coastal and Maritime Security Studies (SICMSS) organized a workshop on the occasion of “National Maritime Day” on Tuesday and celebrated the endeavours of the men on sea. This was the 1st National Maritime Day which has been celebrated by the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in the campus.
The 59th National Maritime Day is celebrated to recognise the sail of the first Indian commercial vessel of colonial India from Mumbai to London in the year 1919. The commercial vessel was named SS Loyalty, which was owned by Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd.On this occasion we recognise the work of the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Marine Police who have been serving, promoting and safeguarding the Indian Coasts. At the same time, we also recognize the constant support, efforts and work of the Merchant Navy, Seafarers, Coastal communities and all those who live and earn their livelihood, contributing in the coastal areas promoting the international trade and navigation across the globe.
On this occasion VC of the RR University Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, talked about the geographical and historical importance of India in the Indian Ocean Region. The first merchant ship SS Loyalty marked the beginning of the International trade through its sail from Mumbai to London in the year 1919 and since then there is almost 95% of trade by volume and 74% by travel from India has done through waters.
He further explained about the SAGARMALA Initiative where he envisioned and discussed
- The increase in the maritime power leading the neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean Region(IOR),
- The port development, capacity building and capability enhancement initiatives of India in the region,
- Development plan of Government for Inland waterways navigation,
- The clean and green Ship building initiatives,
- Port security,
- Port infrastructure,
- Marine tourism,
- Increase in the volume of International trade and navigation even after COVID,
- Therole of Technology I.e.Artificial Intelligence and the implementation of plans to achieve sustainable goals towards a bright future and growth of the nation.
Former Director, National Maritime Foundation Dr Vijay Sakhuja spoke on the topic of “Sustainable Shipping Beyond COVID”.
He spoke about
- The Report of UNCTAD 2021,
- The growth of sea trade over the decades,
- The carbon footprint showcasing the evolvement of fuel usage from wind energy to fossil fuels (Coal, oil, diesel) and now back to wind, solar powered batteries and AI technologies.
He also discussed about the Indian Ports Bill 2021, the various government initiatives to build ports and port infrastructure, road transport and corridors for the easy logistical support to carry goods at low coast in less time. He motivated the young participants, students and guests by presenting various opportunities they have before themselves in the maritime domain in the form of Lawyers,Counsels,Cyber Security and Information Technology Experts and various other fields.
The Indian Coast Guard Commandant Rajeev Ranjan on the topic of “Maritime Search and Rescue”, shared his life experiences serving in field for past two decades and more, where he was part of several search and rescue operations being in Indian Coast Guard.
- The role, functions and cases handled by the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board,
- The function of Global Maritime Distress System(GMDS),
- The use of INMARSAT satellite for satellite communication and distress alerting,
- Various other technological advancements for distress calling when in peril at sea for the fishing communities, ships, cargo and any other vessels.
The workshop was a great success with the participation of more than 60 students from the university. The workshop was devised into Essay presentations, Lectures, Documentary on the National Maritime Day and Extemporized Quiz throughout the day.
