Inauguration of IMF Maritime Museum & Research Centre by Shri Ajitdada Pawar
The IMF Maritime Museum and Research Centre located at Anantrao Pawar College of Engineering & Research, Pune was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Dy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajitdada Pawar on the 27th of May 2022. Shri Mukesh Malhotra, CMD, Weikfield Foods Pvt Ltd was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. The event was jointly organised by the Indian Maritime Foundation and the Akhil Bharatiya Maratha Shikshan Parishad, Pune. On arrival, Shri Ajit Pawar was received by Capt Anand Dixit, President IMF along with other Council members and proceeded to inaugurate the Museum by the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. He was thereafter shown the various historical artefacts, books, charts, photographs and documents displayed in the museum and explained their significance by Capt Dixit. On completion of the walk-around of the Museum, all dignitaries proceeded to the dais, where they were honoured by being presented with various gifts and mementoes.
Smt Pramila Gaikwad, General Secretary ABMSP thereafter opened the proceedings by delivering the Welcome Address. She was followed by Capt Anand Dixit, who during his speech elucidated the formation, objectives and activities conducted by IMF. He also highlighted the importance of the seas for living and non-living resources as well as being the main medium for world trade. Cmde Rajan Vir, President Emeritus of IMF also spoke on the occasion and said that the Foundation had gone through many ups and downs. When things were down it appeared as if they were in a tunnel, but there was always someone to offer help, which was the light at the end of the tunnel. In the case of the Museum, it was the support and assistance of the ABMSP and Shri Mukesh Malhotra which had enabled IMF to set up the Maritime Museum at the APCOER. Shri Ajitdada Pawar was then invited to the podium and gave an inspirational and powerful speech which further highlighted the importance of India’s maritime interests. He also brought out the historical legacy of the Marathas in naval warfare – in particular emphasising the role of Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre in challenging the colonial British and Portuguese naval power. He also brought out a little known fact – that of Babasaheb Ambedkar in recognising the importance of the sea in India’s future. He exhorted the students present on the occasion to enhance their awareness about India’s maritime history and said that the IMF Museum was an important facility which they must all visit. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks to all the dignitaries by Cmde Ajay Chitnis, VP IMF. Some photos of the event may be viewed below and a short video here.
