|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Chennai : In a momentous gathering, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the 8th convocation of the Indian Maritime University in Chennai, Tamil Nadu today. Her address was more than just a ceremonial speech; it resonated with a powerful call for resilient and eco-conscious maritime practices to ensure a flourishing ocean ecosystem.
India’s Maritime Landscape: A Jewel in Its Crown
India’s coastal tapestry stretches across 7,500 kilometers, adorned with 1,382 offshore islands. This vast expanse is further threaded together by 14,500 kilometers of potentially navigable waterways, making India a critical node on essential maritime trade routes.
The Maritime Sector: India’s Economic Engine
President Murmu, in her address, cast a spotlight on India’s maritime sector, a silent engine driving the nation’s trade and economic growth. It’s astounding that a staggering 95 percent of India’s trade volume and 65 percent of trade value embark on the journey through maritime channels. A thriving coastal economy supports over 4 million fishermen, elevating India to the esteemed title of the second-largest fish-producing nation worldwide, graced by a fleet of nearly 250,000 fishing boats.
Challenges as Opportunities
However, President Murmu’s wisdom didn’t rest on laurels; it sought challenges as opportunities. She unveiled the reality that depth constraints lead to the diversion of a substantial cargo share from container ships to foreign ports in close proximity. The imperative for the merchant and civilian shipbuilding industry is to aspire to achieve the pinnacle of efficiency, efficacy, and competitiveness. Indian ports, vital nodes in the country’s trade network, should aim to match the global average benchmarks in operational efficiency and turnaround time. She spoke passionately about the evolution from “port development” to “port-led development” exemplified by the Sagarmala program.
The Climate Crisis: A Call to Action
In a world grappling with climate catastrophe, President Murmu posed a profound question. She emphasized that maritime industries must adapt swiftly and proactively to mitigate climate change’s risks, which have the potential to disrupt the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. She delivered a poignant reminder that students bear not only a professional responsibility but also a moral obligation to safeguard the environment and its intricate ecosystems. The urgency of the moment, she noted, demands sustainable and efficient maritime-related practices, including shipping. It’s an era where resilience meets eco-consciousness, nurturing an ocean ecosystem to thrive in its full glory.
Indian Maritime University: A Beacon of Excellence
President Murmu’s address transcended the typical rhetoric of convocations. It touched on the essence of India’s maritime potential and the challenges that beckon. In her words, Indian Maritime University, though one of the youngest Central Universities, holds the promise to become a global beacon of excellence. Beyond education, it will embrace research, training, and collaborative partnerships across maritime disciplines. Maritime law, ocean governance, and marine sciences are avenues that will be explored, illuminating a path toward a maritime future as expansive as India’s coastal horizons.
