In a landmark collaboration aimed at transforming the well-being of India’s maritime community, the Heartfulness Institute and Seafarers Global officially launched the Heartfulness for Seafarers initiative at a grand event held at The Acres Club, Mumbai. The initiative brings structured mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness programs to Indian seafarers, both at sea and ashore.
The event was inaugurated by Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Government of India, and Mr Sanjay Bhatia, IAS, Upa Lokayukta, Maharashtra State. Both dignitaries emphasized the importance of holistic practices like meditation and mindfulness in the high-stress maritime profession. Mr Bhatia also led an experiential Heartfulness meditation session, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The launch was attended by over 150 seafarers and cadets from leading maritime institutions and shipping companies, along with key stakeholders from the Directorate General of Shipping, FSUI, MUI, CMMI, IMEI, ISWAN, and several other associations and unions. Representatives from major maritime media outlets including Sailor Today, Bhandarkar News Network, and Marex Media were present to cover the event.
Capt Amresh Jha, Founder of Seafarers Global and Heartfulness Volunteer for over 25 years, shared insights into the initiative’s mission and past outreach activities across ships, training institutes, and maritime universities. He said, “This launch marks the beginning of a new journey. With support from the Heartfulness Institute, we envision having a Heartfulness trainer on every ship.”
The event featured impactful expert-led sessions including:
- Work-Life Balance & Stress Management by Shri Tushar Pradhan (Heartfulness Education Trust)
- Financial Literacy for young cadets by Shri Chetan Gaikwad (SEBI Smart Trainer)
- NRI Banking for Seafarers by State Bank of India
- Brain Yoga & Meditation sessions by Heartfulness trainers
- Hatha Yoga by Ambika Yog Kutir
- Introduction to Heartful Campus initiatives for holistic youth development
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Heartfulness Institute and the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), representing over 22,000 seafarers. This MoU will provide seafarers with free access to Heartfulness meditation and wellness programs.
Certificates of Honour were presented to over 25 notable individuals and organizations in recognition of their contributions to the seafarer community’s wellness journey. Awardees included Mrs Harjeet Kaur Joshi, Ms Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Capt Subroto Khan, and organizations such as Indian Maritime University, Fleet Management Ltd, and Synergy Marine Group.
Mr Mukesh Patel, Zonal Coordinator (Mumbai Zone) of Heartfulness Institute, expressed heartfelt thanks to all dignitaries, volunteers, and seafarers, assuring continued support for holistic well-being initiatives.
The event was led and organized by Capt Amresh Jha and supported by a dedicated team of Heartfulness volunteers and maritime professionals.
Marex Media