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National Maritime Day 2024: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari extended his warm greetings and wishes to seafarers on Friday, on the occasion of 61st National Maritime Day, paying rich tributes to their bravery and commitment.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Minister of Road Transport and Highways said, “Wishing #NationalMaritimeDay with gratitude for the dedicated seafarers and rich maritime legacy.”
“Their resilience and contributions shape our maritime history and future endeavors. Let's honor their valor and commitment while cherishing the maritime heritage that binds us,” Gadkari said in the post.
National Maritime Day is celebrated every year on April 5. The day is celebrated as a tribute to the seafarers and voyagers, who spend months at sea.
The day serves as an occasion to highlight issues affecting the maritime sector and industry. A host of issues, ranging from pollution and lack of global cooperation to ensure safe voyages, to improvement in working conditions of ship and port workers, are crucial aspects that need an urgent resolution in this context.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways first celebrated the National Maritime Day in 1964. This year will mark the 61st National Maritime Day. The day is also observed as a tribute to the maiden voyage of the first Indian-owned ship, SS Loyalty, that set off on its journey from Mumbai to London on April 5, 1919.
The National Maritime Day serves as an opportunity to underscore the role of the maritime industry in India’s economic growth. It lauds the sacrifice of seafarers, who partake in national security operations by deterring pirate attacks and hence safeguard and support maritime trade.
The National Maritime Day is celebrated all over the Indian subcontinent, especially in major port cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kandla and Visakhapatnam. These historically significant cities in terms of maritime sector witness special government-supported events such as seminars, medical camps, and blood donation drives.
The government marked the occasion this year with the Merchant Navy Week celebrations that began on March 30 and concludes on April 5.
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