R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, DEC 24
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, Waterways and Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday inaugurated a Marine Engineering Workshop at the Indian Marine University (IMU) headquarters in Semmencherry on the outskirts of Chennai.
Sonowal also virtually dedicated new buildings of the Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam campus, in Andhra Pradesh.
Kickstarting the workshop, Sonowal said the Indian Maritime University (IMU) will play a crucial role in fostering education and training students on the lines of the Maritime India Vision 2030.
The Minister exhorted the students of IMU to strive hard with dedication, determination and commitment to achieve their desired goals.
.@sarbanandsonwal inaugrates Marine Engineering Workshop at @IMU_HQ in the presence of @OPRavindhranath today.@shipmin_india @PortofChennai pic.twitter.com/1ilFL30g7n
— PIB in Tamil Nadu (@pibchennai) December 23, 2021
Quoting an anecdote from former President of India Dr Abdul Kalam, the Minister said, “If you want to shine, then burn like the sun. There is no short cut to success. You have to work hard, if you want to achieve your goal 100 percent. So, give your best.”
He said the MIV (Maritime India Vision) 2030 has identified initiatives such as developing world-class mega ports, transhipment hubs and infrastructure modernisation of ports. The Chennai port is envisaged to become internationally important hub of maritime trade, he added.
Hon'ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India @sarbanandsonwal interacting with students of Indian Maritime University. pic.twitter.com/nppx2hH6wk
— INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY (@IMU_HQ) December 23, 2021
The minister started addressing with Vanakkam (Namaste) and received overwhelming applause from the audience. The significance of IMU is that students from many states are studying here, that is the beauty of India and it also depicts our unity in diversity and oneness, he added.
Sonowal said that Tamil Nadu is a developed state in the nation and it will definitely help the nation’s economy to grow further.
Participating as guest of honour, AIADMK MP and member of the IMU Court O P Ravindhranath said that he feels fortunate to be part of an Institution that is going to play a significant role in India’s maritime revolution.
The MP recalled that the union government headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid a blueprint for overhauling the entire maritime sector under the Maritime India Vision -2030. Maritime India Vision 2030 involves an investment of over Rs 3 lakh crore, that would generate more than 20 lakh jobs, with a potential for generating annual port revenue of over Rs 20,000 crore. To oversee the funding of the Maritime India Vision 2030 a dedicated Maritime Development Fund with an initial seed funding of Rs.25,000 crores is being allotted, he added.
He said, “MIV will enable direct movement of containers from factories without any intermediaries, which will help in increasing Ease of Doing Business (EDB) for the exporters and thereby improving the competitiveness of shippers in international trade. There is also increased focus being given for developing coastal and river transportation which would significantly reduce the logistics costs. Moreover, utilising the Maritime Development Fund, there will be long term financial opportunities available for the stakeholders in the maritime sector. Besides, enhancing cruise infrastructure by developing dedicated Cruise Terminals at selected ports, India is paving its way for its growth as the Global Cruise hub within this decade.’’
Indian Maritime University Vice Chancellor Malini V Shankar, Chancellor P Shankar, Chairman of Chennai Port Trust Sunil Paliwal and other officials were present.
Director of IMU-Chennai campus Dr Rajoo Balaji welcomed the gathering and Registrar in-charge K Saravanan proposed vote of thanks.
