Pratik Bijlani –
On 29th November, the Seagyan Maritime Foundation in partnership with Youth India Champs successfully hosted SeaNext 2025, a Youth Maritime Career Conclave at Thakur College, Mumbai. The event was designed to inspire and educate students about the diverse opportunities within the global maritime industry, bringing together aspiring cadets, educators, industry professionals, and maritime experts under one roof to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world seafaring careers.
The conclave highlighted various career pathways in navigation, marine engineering, ship management, port operations, maritime law, and emerging roles in maritime technology. Interactive sessions, presentations, and expert talks offered students clarity on training requirements, life at sea, safety culture, and long-term career prospects. Capt. Bhandarkar, in his welcome address, emphasised the importance of mentorship and collective guidance, stating, “India’s maritime future will be built not by a few individuals, but by the collective strength of a united maritime fraternity—guiding, inspiring and empowering every young aspirant who dreams of the sea.”
The event featured speeches from distinguished guests including Shri Sanjay Upadhyay, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly; Shri Gopal Shetty, Member of Parliament (Mumbai North); and Mrs. Pallavi Shrivastava, Trustee of Divyaj Foundation, who highlighted the importance of focus, awareness, and inclusivity in building India’s maritime workforce. Capt. S.C. Panigrahy, Campus Director at IMU – Mumbai Port Campus, introduced the Indian Maritime University (IMU), its campuses, courses, and DGS-approved training pathways, urging students to pursue legitimate maritime education to ensure proper placements and career development.
A key highlight of the conclave was the focus on gender inclusivity. Dr Deepti Mankad introduced the Maritime Union of India (MUI) Women’s Wing, promoting greater participation of women in the sector. Panel discussions moderated by Capt Shoukat Mukherjee included insights from Ms HK Joshi, Capt Savio Ramos, Capt (Dr) Ashutosh Apandkar, Mr Anand Tripathi, and Dr Radhika Vakharia, covering career guidance, industry exposure, safety, operational standards, and women empowerment in maritime professions. Capt Apandkar inspired students by stating, “Everything we use in our daily lives—from food and clothes to mobile phones and LPG cylinders—is transported by ships. The Merchant Navy is not just a career; it is the backbone of global trade, offering opportunities to travel, lead, and make a real impact on the world.”
Interactive presentations by Capt. Rohan Sabnis and Mr. Ananth Wuppukondur highlighted the uniqueness of maritime careers and ocean engineering. Capt. Sabnis enthused students with the message, “The Merchant Navy is not just a career; it’s a journey that transforms you. It teaches discipline, leadership, and resilience, while giving you the rare opportunity to explore the world, manage massive ships, and become part of an elite, global community of seafarers.” Students also learned about India’s Deep Ocean Mission called “Samudrayaan Mission”, and the vast potential of the blue economy, including shipping, tourism, and renewable energy.
The conclave concluded with practical advice from Ms. Puja Rawat on resilience, attitude, and work ethics, reinforcing that long-term success in the maritime sector is a combination of knowledge, preparation, and mindset. SeaNext 2025 successfully empowered young aspirants, providing a comprehensive view of maritime careers while fostering mentorship, awareness, and the next generation of skilled seafarers for India’s global maritime future.
Marex Media