The OSI was established in 2011, as a non-profit NGO under the aegis of the Indian Maritime Foundation, by a group of like-minded, sea-minded friends. We had set for ourselves the goal of raising awareness of the oceans and to rekindle maritime consciousness and pride in our people. Our aim was and remains to make people more aware of the impact their actions have on the water bodies surrounding them. The foundation is run entirely by volunteers, who give their time, money (when necessary) and our enthusiasm to continue to pursue our goal remains undiminished. For further information log into: https://www.facebook.com/OceanSaversIndia.

The Ocean Savers of India is an organization started on the 21st of June 2011 under the aegis of the Indian Maritime Foundation which works towards awareness about the marine environment in today’s generation. Life as we know today has originated from the ocean. Consequently, human beings owe their existence to the ocean and in fact a human body is made up of 66% water. A clean ocean is therefore the only lifeline for the continued existence of mankind.

Nowadays plastic waste and oil/chemical pollution originating from human activity is polluting waterways and the oceans themselves, which are slowly turning them into toxic water bodies. Often we hear of fish and birds found dead in water bodies as a result of them either consuming toxic water or plastics. This destruction of various species of bird and fish life will have a domino effect in the foreseeable future on the human species itself.

With a view to preventing the deterioration of our oceans and water bodies, the OSI is striving to inculcate a sense of love and respect for our water bodies by organizing various activities like coastal clean ups, interactive quiz competitions oriented towards ecology and the environment. The OSI also goes to various schools in and around Pune to give presentations and show documentaries to increase awareness amongst the students.

The OSI has assisted the IMF in the International Coastal Cleanup which took place on the 8th October 2011 at about 30 sites all over Pune. This cleanup was aimed at cleaning our rivers and their banks of marine litter. OSI also held an inter-school quiz competition-QUIZZAC. Prior to that in March 2012, OSI first released their quarterly newsletter-LIGHTHOUSE. From a four-page newsletter, Lighthouse is today a 20-page magazine which is designed and compiled by young Council Members of the OSI. Lighthouse serves as a beacon to make people aware of what is happening in our environment and surroundings.

In the past, OSI has also coordinated the following events:-

• A presentation on Sagar Parikrama by Commander Dilip Donde (retd), who solo circumnavigated the globe.
• Tree plantation drive under Project GITA (Green India Trees Association) in memory of OSI’s mentor late Mrs Gita Vir.
• Rally at Mumbai against the use of Plaster of Paris idols of Ganpati by about 100 odd participants.
• International Coastal Cleanup events at Pune attended by over 3000 student and citizen volunteers.
• Trek to Bhaja Caves was in March 2014 along with a cleanup drive at the site.

OSI now aims at setting up a branch at Vishakhapatnam and Delhi. Our motive will now be to conduct awareness generating events on a regular basis which would give the people of Pune and India a chance to serve the environment and help protect mother nature. Our major aim will be to make people sea minded. For further details contact us on 9545939524 or email us on [email protected]