Padmesh Prabhune –
In its bid to enhance its educational capacities the Indian Maritime University (IMU) has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) at the ‘Alumni and Industry Meet’ held this week in Mumbai.
While the first MoU was signed with R K Mehrotra Holdings Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Foresight Group that has ratified to invest USD 1.5 million towards the Endowment Portfolio and USD 0.72 million to establish the centre of excellence at the Kolkata Campus of the Indian Maritime University, the second was signed with the Institute of Marine Engineers, India (IMEI) that aims to sponsor two Junior Research Fellows with scholarship of INR 18 Lakh, for those eligible and wishing to pursue research studies at the university.
In his virtual address at the meet, Mr. RK Mehrotra, Founder, Group Managing Director, R.K Mehrotra Holdings Pvt. Ltd (RKMHL) and an alumnus of DMET Kolkata, said, “I am excited to support the Indian Maritime University in its mission to advance Research and Innovation in the maritime sector.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor, IMU, said, “We are thrilled and grateful to collaborate with the RKMHL group on the development of the Center of Excellence, and we are equally looking forward to building a growing network of young researchers through our joint venture with IMEI.”
She also announced IMU’s MBA in Maritime Management program; a two year on-line program for seafarers possessing a valid CoC. The course offers flexibility and could be completed within 4 years depending upon the seafarer’s schedule and his /her availability for final submission. IMU also plans to develop a program in environmental engineering and innovation / incubation hub at the centre.
Rajeev Nayyar, President, IMEI, said, “IMEI’s vision is to encourage research training and skill development by assisting in setting up an incubation hub for (research-based) learning, which will set the way for future developments.”
Elaborating further on the course, Capt. Kishore Sundaresan, Professor of Practice, IMU, stated that IMU is geared to offer a two-year online MBA in Maritime Management for seafarers with Certificates of Competency (CoC).
The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of maritime issues to seafarers who have acquired extensive experience at sea, honing their management skills further with its scheduled on-line industry knowledge sharing exercise.
The Programme has been structured to bring in working knowledge to professionals already engaged in shipping ashore and also provide the underpinning knowledge to those sailing and aspiring to pursue a shore-based career in shipping.
IMU’s Samudra Surabhi Campaign was also discussed as part of the discussion. The meet was graced by maritime industry stalwarts along with Utsav Seth, Group MD Foresight Group, Dr. Rajoo Balaji, Pro Vice-Chancellor IMU, Capt. Mihir Chandra, Director, IMU Navi Mumbai, Cmde (Dr) Vivek Chawla (Retd.) (IN) Director, IMU Mumbai Port, and Rear Admiral (Dr.) P J Rangachari (Retd.) (IN), Director, IMU Kolkata. Marex Media