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National Maritime Day 2024, celebrated annually in India on April 5, honours those who spend months at sea, contributing to India’s trade. It also commemorates the inaugural voyage of the first Indian-owned ship. This year, the Government of India will celebrate the National Maritime Day alongside the Merchant Navy Week from March 30 to April 5. The National Maritime Day offers an opportunity to emphasise the role of the maritime industry in India’s economic growth and highlights the sacrifice of seafarers who not only run the trade but also partake in national security by deterring pirate attacks.
National Maritime Day 2024: Theme
International Maritime Organization has chosen "Navigating the future: safety first!" as the theme for the 2024. The theme for India's maritime day will be on the similar lines. Though the theme has not been announced yet.
The Journey Towards Independence: History Of National Maritime Day
Reflecting on the maiden voyage of the “SS Loyalty” in 1919, we recognise that this historic journey was more than just a ship setting sail; it symbolised India’s stubborn determination to break free from the shackles of dependency and forge its path as a maritime powerhouse. The “SS Loyalty,” proudly owned by the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, emerged as a pioneering vessel that would chart the course for India’s maritime independence.
The Scindia Steam Navigation Company, founded by the visionary Walchand Hirachand Scindia, was pivotal in shaping India’s maritime destiny. Established in the early 20th century, it symbolised indigenous maritime entrepreneurship. It marked a significant departure from the era of foreign-owned ships dominating our waters.
The Scindia Steam Navigation Company’s ownership of the “SS Loyalty” carried profound symbolism. It manifested the belief that our maritime destiny should be in our hands, steering our ship towards progress and self-reliance. The entrepreneurial spirit of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company laid the foundation for a vibrant Indian shipping industry, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in our maritime endeavours.
Today, as we navigate the waters of progress, we owe a debt of gratitude to those early pioneers and the modern-day seafarers who continue to propel us forward. The legacy of the “SS Loyalty” and the Scindia Steam Navigation Company stands as a testament to the resilience and determination that define India’s maritime narrative. It inspires the current generation, reinforcing that we can overcome challenges and sail towards a brighter, self-sufficient maritime future with perseverance, innovation, and a sense of ownership.
In commemorating National Maritime Day, we celebrate the historic voyage of the “SS Loyalty” and pay homage to the visionary leaders and dedicated seafarers who have contributed to developing our maritime identity. The journey from dependence to independence was charted by ships like the “SS Loyalty,” guided by the principles of self-determination and the belief that India could navigate its course on the global maritime stage.
National Maritime Day bridges our maritime past and present, highlighting the journey from dependence to independence and emphasising the maritime sector’s instrumental role in our nation’s contemporary success. As we celebrate this day, let’s honour our rich maritime legacy and express gratitude to the dedicated individuals who, through their sacrifices, contribute to India’s prominence on the global economic stage.
Significance:
The day is celebrated with the intention of spreading awareness and recognising the efforts and contributions of India's maritime sector in improving the country's economic growth and development. Environmental pollution, piracy, and changing trade dynamics are some of the challenges faced by the sector. This day also aims to draw our attention to the struggles of this industry and help us come together to find solutions effectively. The NMD Award of Excellence is given to the senior officials for their contributions in developing the maritime sector. It also urges the younger generation to pursue a career in this industry.
Maritime India Vision – 2030
To ensure a leading position in the global maritime sector, the Maritime India Vision 2030 has outlined 10 Key themes . These themes are as follows:
- Enhance Global Share in Ship Building, Repair, and Recycling
- Strengthen Policy and Institutional Framework to Support all Stakeholders
- Enhance Logistics Efficiency through Technology and Innovation
- Drive E2E Logistics Efficiency and Cost Competitiveness
- Develop best-in-class Port infrastructure
- Lead the World in Safe, Sustainable & Green Maritime Sector
- Become Top Seafaring Nation with World-Class Education, Research & Training
- Enhance India’s Global stature and Maritime Cooperation
- Promote Ocean, Coastal and River Cruise Sector
- Enhance Cargo and Passenger Movement through Inland Waterways
Sagarmala Programme – An Initiative by the Government of India
On 25th March 2015, the Union Cabinet approved the concept of the Sagarmala . Subsequently, on 14th April 2016, the Prime Minister of India unveiled a National Perspective Plan (as part of Sagarmala) for the comprehensive development of India’s potential 14,500 km of navigable waterways and 7,500 km coastline, at the Maritime India Summit 2016.
Sagarmala Programme – Key Components
- Coastal Shipping & Inland Waterways Transport
- Coastal Community Development
- Port-linked Industrialization
- Port Connectivity Enhancement
- Port Modernization & New Port Development
Sagarmala Programme – Objectives and Concept
- By developing port proximate discrete manufacturing clusters, it aims to improve export competitiveness.
- It seeks to lower the logistics cost of bulk commodities by locating future industrial capacities near the coast.
- It aims to reduce the cost of transporting domestic cargo through optimizing the modal mix.
Read Also: International Day for Mine Awareness 2024
National Maritime Day 2024: Celebration
The celebrations also include a series of educational and training programmes to promote maritime skills and knowledge among the next generation of talent. The day celebrations provide an opportunity to salute the achievements of the maritime personnel and also raise awareness about the pressing issues facing the sector. It is a significant step in promoting maritime trade and investment in India.
