On November 6, the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) celebrated its annual “Seafarers’ Unity Day” at the Indian Sailors Home Society (ISHS), Mumbai — a vibrant gathering that brought together seafarers, their families, maritime leaders, and union representatives in a spirited show of unity and pride. For over a century, NUSI has been a steadfast voice for Indian seafarers, and this year’s celebration reaffirmed its commitment to welfare, training, and solidarity among maritime professionals.
The event, hosted at the historic ISHS — a home away from home for countless Indian sailors — was graced by Chief Guest Mr Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS, Chairperson of the National Shipping Board (NSB), and Guest of Honour Mr Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General of Shipping. Also in attendance were distinguished industry leaders including Adv Premanand Salgaonkar, President of NUSI; Mr Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary of NUSI; Mr Louis Gomes, Vice President of NUSI; Capt SM Halbe, CEO of MASSA; Capt Rakesh Singh, President of ICCSA; Capt Kisan Karnad, GM at FOSMA; Capt Savio Ramos, General Secretary of MUI; and Mr Anil Devli, CEO of INSA. The event was moderated by Mr Sunil Nair, Assistant General Secretary of NUSI.
In his inaugural address, Adv Salgaonkar welcomed dignitaries and seafarers, reaffirming NUSI’s position as India’s largest maritime union. He emphasized the importance of the union’s training academies in Goa and Panvel, India’s growing trade ties, and government initiatives for port modernization — urging continued excellence and unity among seafarers.
The event also honoured Mr Parwaz Mukadam, winner of the prestigious ITF Seafarers’ Trust “Life at Sea” Photography Prize 2025, for his work titled When Nature Takes Command. NUSI felicitated him with ₹25,000 in recognition of his artistic contribution to the maritime community.
A key highlight of the celebration was the screening of Longer Than Voyage, a documentary directed by Mr Sarnit Bansal and based on NUSI’s efforts to rescue four Ghanaian seafarers stranded for years on an abandoned vessel in Mumbai. The film, lauded at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Cine Awards 2025, reflects the humanitarian spirit that defines NUSI’s mission. Mr Bansal was felicitated by Shri Khopde for his work, which he described as “a tribute to the resilience of seafarers and the unions that never give up on them.”
In a heartfelt address, Mr Khopde praised the contribution of Indian seafarers, stating, “India’s seafarers are our true maritime ambassadors — their skill, discipline, and dedication will define our nation’s position on the global map.” He emphasized the government’s target to raise India’s share of global seafarers from 12% to 20% within five years and encouraged greater participation of women in the industry.
Chief Guest Mr Khare lauded the courage and unity of India’s maritime workforce, remarking, “Seafarers’ Unity Day is not just a celebration, but a day to honour those Indian seafarers who keep the nation’s flag flying high amid the uncertain waves of the sea.” He highlighted ongoing NSB collaborations with the DG Shipping, Bureau of Immigration, and FRRO to streamline procedures and ensure seafarer welfare through policy-driven reforms.
The celebration also featured inspiring speeches from maritime stalwarts including Capt. Halbe, Capt Singh, Capt Karnad, Capt Ramos, Mr Kandalgaonkar, and Mr Devli, who touched upon safety, soft skills, education, and policy reforms. NUSI’s Scholar Scheme awards were also presented to students excelling in academics, reaffirming the union’s dedication to supporting seafarers’ families.
The evening concluded with a vibrant performance by the Omkar Melodies Orchestra and a vote of thanks, marking another memorable chapter in NUSI’s legacy of unity, service, and pride for India’s maritime fraternity.
Marex Media