Pratik Bijlani –
MMS Group marked its Founder’s Day Celebration on 28 November at Hotel Orchid, Mumbai, paying tribute to the remarkable legacy of its founder, the late Mr. Suresh Godbole, whose vision and pioneering spirit have shaped more than five decades of excellence in India’s maritime industry. The theme, “Anchored in Legacy, Sailing into the Future,” reflected both the Group’s rich history and its forward-looking commitment to the sector. The event brought together senior maritime professionals, industry stalwarts, esteemed partners, employees, and well-wishers, with Mr. Kaushik Seal, President of IMEI India, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest and Capt. Unmesh Abhyankar, Head – Port and Shipping, Adani Cement, as Guest of Honour. Ms. Veena Godbole, wife of the founder, was also present, adding heartfelt significance to the celebration.
The evening highlighted the journey of MMS Group, tracing its evolution from its founding in 1971 as Martek Engineering Works into a diversified maritime powerhouse spanning crew management, afloat repair services, technical support, and shipbuilding. Speakers reflected on Mr. Godbole’s meticulous engineering expertise, his foresight in diversifying marine services, and his belief in building an organisation grounded in training, ethics, and absolute commitment to shipowners. Reflecting on his father’s legacy in an emotional tribute, Mr. Aniruddha Godbole said, “Founder’s Day reminds us of the values on which MMS Group was built—integrity, commitment, and the belief that people are at the heart of every achievement.” He recalled years of learning directly under his father’s guidance and thanked the attendees for honouring the man who laid the foundation for the Group’s enduring values.
A warm welcome by Capt. Sudheer Naphade, CEO of MMS Group, set the tone for the evening as he honoured his close friend and former shipmate, the late Mr. Godbole. He paid tribute to the founder’s exceptional technical brilliance and acknowledged the guiding influence he continues to have on the organisation. This was followed by the felicitation of dignitaries and a nostalgic address by Chief Guest Mr. Kaushik Seal, who shared personal memories from his sailing days with Mr. Godbole. He expressed genuine sentiment, stating, “It gives me immense pleasure to be part of the Founders’ Day celebrations of the MMS Group and to honour the memories I shared with Suresh Sir.” He recounted numerous moments where Mr. Godbole’s problem-solving abilities and leadership stood out, reinforcing the profound impact he had on maritime professionals across generations.
The event also featured an engaging interview with Guest of Honour Capt. Unmesh Abhyankar, who shared valuable insights into India’s port privatization journey, the evolution of operational efficiency, the challenges of organizational transformation, and the crucial emphasis on maritime safety. His reflections offered attendees a deeper understanding of the industry’s rapid growth and changing landscape.
Adding a youthful dimension to the celebration, the finale of the national elocution competition “Voices of Tomorrow’s Maritime Leaders” brought ten outstanding cadets to the stage, each demonstrating clarity, passion and a compelling vision for the future of the maritime industry. After an impressive showcase of talent, the top honours went to Cadet Kshitij Gupta of Tolani Maritime Institute, who secured First Place, followed by Cadet Isham Ahmed of the Indian Maritime Institute in Second Place, and Cadet Swarnjeet Singh Walia of Chitkara University, who achieved Third Place. Their outstanding performances were applauded as a testament to the promising leadership emerging from India’s maritime institutions.
A touching “Down the Memory Lane” segment allowed longtime associates of Mr. Godbole to share their heartfelt reminiscences, painting a vivid picture of a man remembered not only for his engineering brilliance but also his integrity, warmth, and mentorship. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sagarika Damle, Executive Director of MMS Group, followed by cocktails and dinner, closing a celebration that beautifully bridged the Group’s distinguished past with its ambitious future.
Marex Media