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Mumbai : Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal while addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, said on October 3, 2021, that Being the biggest transporter of the sea, the SCI has contributed significantly to fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of Transformation through Transportation.Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur was also present on the occasion.
Sonowal congratulated the SCI and its past and present employees for becoming a symbol of success for its contribution during the 60 years of its existence. “SCI will have to further show its strength in the future,” he said. We have to work with the spirit of Team India, every citizen has to demonstrate his/her strength and succeed and take the nation forward, Sonowal said.
Speaking about the potential of the maritime sector, Sonowal said that we should make people realise the power of sea as a resource and use it in the right way by deploying the right technologies. “There are many more steps we need to take in the maritime sector for the development of our nation and the world,” Sonowal said. He exhorted SCI to improve awareness of the potential of the sector among people in different regions across the country.
Sonowal also praised SCI for organising the diamond jubilee programme only with in-house people and no outside help, thereby displaying a spirit of self-reliance and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The Union Ministers virtually flagged off MV SCI Chennai from Kandla Port for EXIM trades with the middle-eastern countries. The vessel will sail from Kandla, proceed to Kochi and Tuticorin for loading export cargo, and sail towards the Middle East, according to a PIB release.
Sonowal felicitated the all-women crew members of SCI’s MT Swarna Krishna, which was flagged off from JNPT Liquid Berth Jetty on March 6, 2021, and created history. Congratulating the brave-hearts, the Minister said, “The women of the India are marching forward, thanks to the steps taken by the government for women’s empowerment. I am sure that more women will join this movement in the coming days. You have set a big example which will bring more women into this field in the future.”
The voyage was a historic one for the global shipping sector and the Union Minister extolled the courage of the woman seafarers and described them as a glowing example of India’s Nari Shakti taking on a male dominated industry.
Union MoS Thakur said, “We are striving to develop all major ports of India in every possible manner in accordance with international standards.”
Sonowal also virtually launched a coffee-table book on the eventful journey of SCI over the last 60 years. Coinciding with the programme, the Union Minister planted a Tulsi sapling on the SCI campus and witnessed a colourful play and cultural display showcased by members of the SCI family.
The dignitaries present on the occasion included Lok Sabha MP Manoj Kotak, Shipping Secretary Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust, Rajeev Jalota, and CMD of SCI Mrs. H K Joshi.
Chairperson & Manaaging Director, SCI, Joshi said, “SCI’s innovative measures and financial prudence have been a great contributor to the organisation.”