CHENNAI: In response to the increasing diversion of container ship cargo to foreign ports due to depth limitations at Indian ports, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a compelling address during the eighth convocation of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Chennai. Her speech focused on the urgent need for operational efficiency and faster turnaround times at Indian ports, aiming to revitalize the nation's maritime sector.
President Murmu emphasized that India must overcome numerous challenges before fully harnessing the potential of its maritime industry. She stressed the importance of bringing the operational efficiency of Indian ports in line with global standards, as the country currently falls outside the top 20 nations for annual port calls. Out of the top 50 container ports worldwide, India is represented by only two. To progress to the next level, Indian ports must confront issues related to infrastructure and operations. Notably, a significant step in this direction is the Sagarmala program, which shifts the focus from mere port development to comprehensive port-led development. The five pillars of Sagarmala encompass port modernization, enhanced port connectivity, port-led industrialization, coastal community development, and coastal shipping or inland water transportation.
President Murmu also highlighted India's growing role in the global maritime arena, where Indian entities are not only managing shipping companies and global ports but are also steering and driving the global economy. She commended the recent successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's south pole and revealed India's upcoming 'Samudrayaan' mission, which aims to explore the depths of ocean waters up to 6,000 meters, studying deep-sea resources and assessing biodiversity.
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, President Murmu underscored the urgent need for the maritime sector to adapt and mitigate climate change factors swiftly. Rising temperatures and sea levels represent grave challenges that could disrupt livelihoods, especially in vulnerable communities.
During his speech, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi credited the degrees earned by students to their hard work and encouraged them to express gratitude to their teachers.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, Waterways, and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted India's position as the fastest-growing economy globally.
Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, Waterways, and Tourism, Shripad Naik, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Higher Education K. Ponmudy, IMU Chancellor P. Shankar, and IMU Vice Chancellor Malini V. Shankar were also active participants in the event.
A total of 1,944 candidates from six IMU campuses across India and affiliated institutes celebrated their hard-earned degrees. This included 1,062 graduates from the School of Nautical Sciences, 630 from the School of Marine Engineering and Technology, 52 from the School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, and 197 from the School of Maritime Management. Of these, 245 candidates received their degrees in person, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
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