–Pratik Bijlani–
On 10 January, the DMET-MERI Ex-Cadets Association (DMECA) hosted its Annual Alumni Meet & Networking Dinner 2026 at The Leela, Sahar, Mumbai, bringing together over 900 alumni, industry leaders, sponsors and partners from across the globe for an evening marked by camaraderie, celebration and professional engagement. Widely regarded as one of the world’s largest gatherings of DMET alumni, the event saw former cadets from multiple batches converge under one roof, representing a cross-section of the global maritime industry that included senior captains, chief engineers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, policymakers and maritime professionals.
The evening offered a vibrant platform for alumni to reconnect with batchmates, reflect on shared experiences, celebrate professional milestones and expand networks within the wider maritime fraternity. A strong sense of pride and fellowship permeated the gathering, reinforcing the enduring legacy of the DMET/MERI/IMU community and its contribution to India’s merchant navy and the global shipping sector. The event was attended by Mr. Uday Purohit, President of DMECA, and Mr. Mudit Mehrotra, Secretary of DMECA, along with several distinguished industry leaders such as Mr. P.K. Mishra, Managing Director of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), Mr. Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRS, Mr. Kaushik Seal, President of IMEI, Mr. Sunil Kumar, CTO and Head – T&A at The Great Eastern Shipping, and Capt. Amandeep Bhalla, Marine Head (India) at D’Amico Shipping Group, among many others.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Mr. Uday Purohit, who greeted the alumni and emphasised the central theme of giving back to the alma mater. He spoke about the enduring prestige of DMET and how the institution has stood the test of time, shaping generations of maritime professionals. Expressing gratitude to sponsors, partners and attendees, he encouraged everyone to enjoy the evening’s hospitality, entertainment and the opportunity to strengthen bonds within the fraternity.
A key highlight of the evening was the felicitation of sponsors who played a vital role in supporting the event. The Platinum Sponsors included MIS Ship Repair LLC, Indian Register of Shipping and Kuzey Star Shipyard, while Gold Sponsors comprised Matra Euroasia Marine Services, Axon Developers, Jome Engineering LLC, ISR & Interocean, Prota Marine and MA Corporation. Hexxon Marine supported the event as the Bar & Liquor Sponsor, UMMS as the Dinner & Refreshments Sponsor and Rastek Marine as the Venue Sponsor, alongside several Silver Sponsors, Activity Sponsors and supporters.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mudit Mehrotra reflected on DMECA’s journey and evolution over the years. He noted how the association had grown from modest beginnings into a credible and respected body. As he said during his speech, “What began as a small and hopeful gathering has today become a proud, growing institution of over 1,200 members—no longer focused on survival, but committed to building on its own legacy year after year.” He further added, “DMECA has reached a stage where we measure growth not against challenges, but against our own past performances, striving constantly to be better than yesterday.” Mr. Mehrotra acknowledged the continued support of partners, sponsors and associates, announced an upcoming technical seminar with IRS, and concluded on an emotional note, hinting that this would be his final Alumni Day address as part of present EC.
A special moment of the evening was the felicitation of a DMETian mountaineer who, at the age of 58, achieved the rare feat of summiting the Mount Everest.
The evening concluded on a high note with lively dance performances, karaoke sessions including a special surprise singing performance by a DMET cadet, which resonated strongly with the audience and a captivating singing performance by renowned singer and entertainer Aditya Narayan, leaving attendees with lasting memories of a night that celebrated legacy, leadership and lifelong bonds within the maritime fraternity.
Echoes from the Alma Mater
“A Bond Forged at Sea and in Spirit”– Mr. Sanjeev Dhawan, DMET 1980 Batch
“No matter how far life takes us, the bond we share as DMETians remains thicker than blood. Reuniting at DMECA takes us back to our formative years, when discipline, challenges and camaraderie shaped who we became. Those early lessons—thinking on our feet, facing adversity, and standing by one another—prepared us not just for life at sea, but for life itself. That experience is unmatched and deeply fulfilling.”
“Where Ranks Fade and Bonds Last a Lifetime” – Mr. Anirban Bhattacharjee and Mr. Ankit Anand, DMET 2023 Batchmates
“At DMECA, hierarchy disappears and only one identity remains—DMETian. Whether CEO or surveyor, we meet as batchmates, seniors and juniors bound by unity and trust. This ‘batchmate funda’ teaches us teamwork, humility and communication, shaping us beyond technical skills. Staying connected through DMECA allows us to guide, support and create opportunities for future cadets, ensuring the legacy of DMET continues to grow stronger with every generation.”
“When Alumni Dream Together, Institutions Grow Stronger” – Mr. Uday Purohit, President of DMECA
“DMECA exists to give back—to our alumni and to the alma mater that shaped our professional foundations. Every surplus from this event is reinvested into DMET, and that is our greatest pride. What we did differently was think big. When alumni come together under one umbrella, across India and overseas, we become a strong collective voice, one that can mentor cadets, uplift education, and build a lasting legacy for future marine engineers.”
Marex Media