In a pivotal speech at Gujarat Maritime University’s inaugural convocation, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called on entering graduates to prioritize national interests and honor India’s rich maritime tradition. Highlighting the sector’s burgeoning opportunities, Patel pointed to India’s role as a burgeoning global provider of maritime talent, a feat acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Patel underscored the increased global expectations under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, urging young professionals to elevate India’s maritime industry to unprecedented heights. Prime Minister Modi’s vision to establish Gujarat as a port-led development hub and initiate Gujarat Maritime University underscores the state’s commitment to nurturing skilled maritime professionals.
The convocation saw degrees awarded to 188 LLM and 62 MBA graduates, with 13 students receiving Gold Medals for academic excellence. Patel celebrated Gujarat’s maritime heritage, spotlighted by the Lothal port’s legacy and the emerging National Maritime Heritage Complex. Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and Sagarmala are steering India’s maritime ascendancy.
Highlighting India’s revived maritime economy over the past 11 years due to initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti and the Blue Economy Mission, Patel urged graduates to act as ambassadors of this advancement and contribute to Viksit Bharat@2047. Gujarat Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi praised GMU’s innovative strides and international collaborations, marking the convocation as a forerunner to shaping India’s maritime future.
Joshi emphasized GMU’s partnerships with entities like the United Nations Environment Programme and lauded its hosting of significant conferences and publication accomplishments. With accolades such as the ‘Maritime Capacity Building Champion in India’ award, GMU’s stature continues to rise on both national and international stages.
