On the eve of the inauguration of the NUSI Navik Sadan at Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), a magnificent Tiranga Rally was organised by seafarers of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands who are active members of the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI). The rally served as a vibrant display of patriotism, solidarity, and the strong bond shared by the island’s maritime community.
The rally commenced from Hotel Bay Island, Marine Hill, Sri Vijaya Puram, at 4:00 PM on 21 June. More than 200 seafarers participated on motorcycles, proudly carrying the Indian National Flag. The procession travelled through the city’s major roads, drawing widespread public attention and appreciation.
The enthusiastic participants rode in a disciplined manner, carrying the Tiranga with pride and conveying a powerful message of national unity, maritime fraternity, and commitment to the welfare of Indian seafarers. The impressive convoy reached NUSI Navik Sadan at approximately 5:30 PM, where participants were warmly welcomed by NUSI representatives and local members.
The Tiranga Rally became one of the highlights of the inauguration celebrations, reflecting the patriotic spirit of the seafaring community and their unwavering support for the mission of NUSI in serving seafarers and their families. The event also demonstrated the growing strength and unity of NUSI members in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and set a fitting tone for the historic inauguration of the newly established NUSI Navik Sadan.
Following the arrival of the rally, the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) achieved another historic milestone with the inauguration of the NUSI Navik Sadan, NUsea MART, and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Sabhagruh at Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the welfare, development, and empowerment of seafarers and their families in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The newly inaugurated NUsea MART has been established to provide provisions and essential commodities to seafarers and their families at a special discount of up to 20%, addressing a long-standing need of the local maritime community. The Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Sabhagruh has been created as a dedicated community hall that can be utilised at subsidised rates by seafarers and their families for social, cultural, and community activities. NUSI Navik Sadan itself includes dormitory accommodation and guest rooms for seafarers and their families, offering comfortable and affordable facilities during their stay in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries from the maritime industry, marking a significant milestone in the history of the presence of NUSI in the islands.
Thereafter, the dignitaries and participants proceeded to the Andaman and Lakshadweep Harbour Works Community Hall, where nearly 500 seafarers and their family members had gathered to witness the historic occasion. The formal function commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a Ganesh Vandana. A special video presentation on Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was screened, after which a recorded message from Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, was played for the gathering.
A major highlight of the evening was the official launch of the NUSI Anthem, celebrating the unity, dedication, and indomitable spirit of Indian seafarers. Guests and dignitaries were also felicitated in recognition of their valuable contributions and continued support to the maritime sector.
In his welcome address, Adv. Premanand Salgaonkar, President, NUSI, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and reaffirmed the Union’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Indian seafarers.
This was followed by the address of Mr Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, NUSI, who highlighted the Union’s various initiatives in the fields of skill development, social security, welfare schemes, mental health support, training opportunities, and efforts to improve the working and living conditions of Indian seafarers and their families.
The programme also featured insightful addresses by eminent maritime leaders including Capt. Shiv Halbe, Capt. Rajesh Tandon, and Capt. Savio Ramos, who shared their perspectives on the future of the maritime sector and the importance of collective efforts towards seafarers’ welfare.
A significant moment during the programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NUSI, the Seafarers Provident Fund Organisation (SPFO), and the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) for the proposed NUSI Navi Mumbai Seafarers’ Welfare Project. The project aims to bring welfare, training, accommodation, and support services under one roof for the benefit of seafarers and their families, thereby further strengthening cooperation within the maritime community.
Addressing the gathering, Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Adviser-cum-Senior Deputy Director General of Shipping (Technical), appreciated the sustained efforts of NUSI towards enhancing the welfare and professional development of Indian seafarers. He also highlighted the various welfare schemes available through SWFS and encouraged seafarers to avail themselves of these valuable benefits.
The event also included a special felicitation ceremony honouring individuals from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for their consistent contributions towards the welfare and development of seafarers and their families. The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Bro. Dharvinder Ram, NUSI Branch Representative, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The celebrations concluded on a festive note with a vibrant Bollywood medley dance performance, bringing the event to a joyful close. Under the aegis of NUSI Sankalp, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, hundreds of tree saplings were distributed among seafarers and their families, encouraging greater environmental awareness and a collective commitment to a greener future.
The successful inauguration of the NUSI Navik Sadan marks a significant milestone in the journey of NUSI towards serving Indian seafarers. The newly established facilities will serve as a dedicated centre for welfare, guidance, community engagement, training, accommodation, and essential services. They will further strengthen the presence of NUSI in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and reaffirm the Union’s enduring commitment to the welfare, dignity, and empowerment of seafarers and their families.
Marex Media