Celebration of 62nd National Maritime Day
Members of Indian Maritime Foundation celebrated the 62nd National Maritime day at a special function held at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana on 05th Apr 2025. National Maritime Day commemorates the historic voyage of ‘S.S. Loyalty’, the first Indian-owned steamship of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd, which sailed from Mumbai to London on April 5, 1919. This momentous event marked India’s foray into international shipping and laid the foundation for the nation’s proud maritime journey. IMF was also a co-host of the event, along with CMMI, IMEI and MMA, which saw several members of the maritime community in attendance, including from both the Indian Navy and the Mercantile Marine. The Chief Guest was Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha, PVSM, AVSM NM, IN (Retd) a naval aviator, who took part in the 1971 India Pakistan War as a fighter pilot on INS Vikrant which was deployed off East Pakistan.
On the occasion, Capt Ravindra Hajarnavis, Sr Vice President IMF was felicitated for his dedicated service, along with three other veteran mariners : Capt Vijay Barve, Ch Eng RD Bhave and Capt Unmesh Abhyankar. Coincidentally, Capt Hajarnavis also was serving on board a merchant ship in the Eastern theatre during the 1971 War and won the rare distinction of being Mentioned in Dispatches. All those felicitated were presented with the typical Puneri pagdi, a shawl, and – most notably – a handpainted artwork by Capt Prafull Hudekar. The achievements of the awardees were highlighted in the form of a ‘Maan Patra’ being read out by eminent ladies.
VAdm Pasricha (Retd) also gave a interesting presentation on the naval operations being conducted by the Indian Navy to rescue mariners hijacked by pirates, as well as those who had their ships attacked by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden.
The programme was well compered by Capt Bannerjee and the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Capt Joshi.
The evening concluded with drinks and dinner.
Some photographs taken on the occasion may be viewed in the gallery below.
