<strong>National Maritime Day 2022: Theme, history and significance</strong>
The term ‘maritime’ refers to anything connected with the sea or its uses, such as navigation, trade and commerce. Every year, on 5th April, India observes National Maritime Day to celebrate the role of maritime trade in the growth of the country’s economy. It also marks the role of India and its strategic geographical location, making it one of the key players in global trade. The day is dedicated to recognise India’s position in the Silk Route by connecting the Middle East and Europe to the East Asian nations. Here is everything about National Maritime Day.
Theme of National Maritime Day 2022
Every year, National Maritime Day is commemorated with a particular theme that acts as a basis for all events organised on this day. This year, the theme is a continuation of the last year’s, that is, ‘Sustainable Shipping Beyond Covid-19.’
History of National Maritime Day
On 5th April 1919, a ship named SS Loyalty set sail from Mumbai to London. The ship was owned by the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Limited, one of the then large-scale shipping companies owned entirely by Indians in pre-independent India. This was a crucial day considering that the Indian sub-continent as well as its waterways were then under British rule.
Forty years later, in 1959, independent India became a member of the International Maritime Organisation. This organisation has been responsible for preventing maritime pollution and ensuring maritime protection.
A few more years later in 1964, the Directorate General of Shipping, India and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways together declared 5th April as the National Maritime Day to commemorate the country’s first indigenous merchant navy voyage in the trading world. Since then, this day has been widely observed across the country to create awareness about intercontinental commerce and global economy’s dependence on trade.
Significance of National Maritime Day
National Maritime Day is celebrated to emphasise on the improvement of the condition of maritime trade in India. Besides this, the day also offers support to the global economy. This includes a well-organised and environmentally safe approach of export and import worldwide.
How is the day celebrated?
On this day, the Varuna award ceremony is conducted every year to honour the remarkable contributions of people in the Indian Maritime sector. The award includes a scroll and a statue of Lord Varuna. Apart from this prestigious honour, the NMD award of excellence is conferred to people for their lifelong contribution in the maritime sector. To honour efforts of people in the field of maritime education and training, another award called the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Maritime Education and Training Award’ is also conferred on this day.