Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, arrived at Tuticorin Airport today for his official visit to V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port).
He was received by Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port, along with senior officials. A vibrant traditional cultural performance was organised at the Port as a mark of honour to welcome the Union Minister. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was also accorded prior to the commencement of the official programme.
During his visit, Minister Sonowal inaugurated the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, which documents India’s rich maritime legacy and highlights the significant contribution of the Tuticorin region to coastal trade and shipping. The inauguration underscores the Government’s continued focus on port modernisation, infrastructure augmentation, and maritime-led economic development.
The occasion also witnessed the felicitation of Shri Venkatachalapathy, noted historian and writer, and Smt. Ilampiraai Manimaaran, distinguished Tamil scholar and orator, in recognition of their contributions to literature, history, and cultural scholarship.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister emphasized the importance of preserving India’s maritime heritage and promoting regional tourism through initiatives like the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum. Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port, along with senior officials, attended the event, reflecting the Port Authority’s dual role as a strategic logistics hub and custodian of India’s maritime history.
The establishment of the museum is expected to further strengthen VOC Port’s institutional identity while fostering maritime awareness and celebrating India’s coastal legacy.