Pratik Bijlani –
The Narottam Morarjee Institute of Shipping (NMIS), a premier institution in maritime education, held its 45th Annual Convocation and Prize Distribution Ceremony on July 18, at the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Mumbai. The prestigious occasion was graced by the Chief Guest Mr Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS (Retd.), Chairman of the National Shipping Board, who delivered an inspiring address highlighting India’s maritime ambitions and the vital role graduates will play in shaping its future.
Established in 1969, NMIS has long upheld its legacy of academic excellence and industry alignment, offering diplomas and fellowships tailored for professionals through flexible weekend and online formats. This year’s convocation reinforced that commitment, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and industry leaders to celebrate academic milestones and professional growth.
Capt. Rahul Bhargava, Chairman of NMIS, opened the event with a warm welcome, congratulating the graduating students and encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to the maritime and logistics sectors. Dr. Surajit Dhingra, Director of NMIS, presented the Annual Report, detailing new developments including the formation of an active placement cell and the institute’s efforts to provide affordable, accessible, and industry-relevant education. He acknowledged generous donors and alumni who continue to support scholarships and awards.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of multiple prizes and cash awards to the candidates of the institute. Capt. Parvez Gulshan, a sailing master with Anglo Eastern, emerged as a standout achiever by winning multiple awards, including numerous Gold Medals and the prestigious PGDSM Certificate. In his emotional acceptance speech, Capt. Gulshan expressed gratitude to the faculty and praised the course structure for enabling working professionals to pursue higher education. Other notable awardees included Mr. Vikrant Kumar, Ms. Siddhi Mahale, Mr. Viren Gawade, and Cdr. Deepak Sood, each recognized for their exemplary academic performance across examinations held in March and June 2023 and 2024.
NMIS also honoured maritime stalwarts with special recognitions. Capt. Somesh Batra received the NMIS Lifetime Achievement Award for many decades of service to the shipping and logistics industry. A co-founder of the Seahorse Group and an influential figure in multiple maritime ventures, Capt. Batra has played a significant role in shaping India’s maritime infrastructure. His speech urged students to think big, embrace innovation, and remain grounded in values of hard work and perseverance. Additionally, NMIS Honorary Fellowships were conferred on Shri Umesh Grover, Capt. M.M. Saggi, and Capt. Anoop Kumar Sharma for their outstanding contributions to the sector.
The event saw the presence of prominent industry leaders including Capt. Tushar Pradhan, General Secretary of the Maritime Union of India (MUI); Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, Managing Director of Kenmark Tech Solutions; Capt. Philip Matthews, Director at SIMTF; Mr. David Birwadkar, Chairman of IMEI Mumbai Branch and Ms. Saleha Shaikh, Founder and Head of the MUI Women’s Wing. Their participation reflected the growing support and collaboration between academia and industry in shaping the future of Indian maritime professionals.
In his concluding remarks, Mr Khare invoked a powerful maritime metaphor: “Ships are safest in the harbour, but that is not what ships are built for,” encouraging the graduates to embrace uncertainty and take bold strides into the global maritime arena. He reminded them that while NMIS has prepared them with strong academic foundations, it is their courage, ethics, and innovation that will shape their journeys ahead.
The convocation ended on a celebratory and inspiring note, applauding not just academic excellence but also professional dedication, resilience, and vision. It marked another milestone in NMIS’s unwavering commitment to its mission— “Shipping Padhao – Shipping Badhao”—to expand the horizon of maritime education and contribute meaningfully to India’s emergence as a global shipping powerhouse.
Marex Media