Pratik Bijlani –
The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) held its much-anticipated Annual Dinner Function on February 15, 2025, at The Acres Club, Chembur, Mumbai. This flagship event served as a premier gathering for maritime professionals, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie, collaboration, and celebration.
Esteemed attendees included Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Capt. (Dr.) Daniel Joseph, Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew); Ms. H.K. Joshi, former CMD of SCI; Capt. M.P. Bhasin, Master Chairman of CMMI; Capt. Vivek Bhandarkar, General Secretary of CMMI; Capt. Philip Matthews, Director at SIMTF; Mr. Rajeev Nayyer, President of IMEI; Capt. K.N. Deboo, Principal of AEMTC among others. Their presence underscored the significance of the event in shaping the future of India’s maritime sector. The event was also attended by Capt. J.C.Anand, Chairman Emeritus at Indian Register of Shipping and the senior-most member of the Indian Maritime Industry at 103 years of age.
The evening commenced with a speech by Capt. M.P. Bhasin, who highlighted CMMI’s strides over the past two years. “Especially for the last 2 years, we have made many improvements, and made many, many achievements,” he remarked. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between CMMI and the Directorate General of Shipping on both national and international fronts. Capt. Bhasin also spotlighted the launch of CMMI’s Executive MBA in Maritime Management, Logistics, and Supply Chain in partnership with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), a program designed to nurture the next generation of industry leaders.
In his address, Shri Jagannathan lauded the synergy between government entities and CMMI, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like “Sagar Mein Samman” and “Sagar Mein Yog” to enhance seafarers’ lives. He expressed his optimism for continued partnerships aimed at bolstering the maritime industry.
Capt. Vivek Bhandarkar, who also served as the Master of Ceremonies, announced an exciting collaboration between MUI, IMEI, and CMMI to launch an e-library platform. This platform will provide free access to books and publications for members and students, supporting academic and professional growth across the industry.
The evening’s highlight was an inspiring award ceremony that honored excellence in various fields. Capt. B.K. Tyagi, CMD of SCI, received the Founder’s Leadership Award, while Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Capt. G.P.S. Bhalla and Capt. Nand Hiranandani for their invaluable contributions to the maritime sector. Capt. Bhalla expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m so happy to meet so many of you and I love being here. This is my hometown, and I really appreciate this honour. Thank you all very much.”
The Founder’s Innovation Award was bestowed upon Capt. Debashis Basu, founder of Navguide Solutions, recognizing his contributions to maritime technology. The “Exemplary Action Award” went to Capt. Anmol Kumar Shrivastava, whose extraordinary courage in rescuing 57 individuals during a ferry accident in Mumbai Harbour was met with resounding applause.
The evening culminated in a lavish buffet dinner, complemented by fine cocktails and mesmerizing live Bollywood performances. As guests mingled and enjoyed the festivities, the occasion served as a testament to CMMI unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of unity, innovation, and excellence within India’s vibrant maritime community.
Marex Media