The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on September 4, 2025, at the Bharat Ratnam-Mega Common Facilitation Centre in Mumbai. This notable occasion marked 75 years of contributions to India’s maritime development, involving a diverse audience that included government officials, industry leaders, academicians, and international representatives.
The celebration unfolded in four phases, commencing with the inauguration of the “75 Years of Sea and Service” Maritime Exhibition, which highlighted India’s maritime heritage and advancements in the shipping sector. Notable figures, including Shri Rajiv Jalota and Capt. (Dr.) Ashutosh V Apandkar, led the exhibition, displaying historical artifacts, innovations, and archival records that narrate the evolution of India’s maritime journey. Families and retired officers also participated, enhancing the event’s sense of history and community.
The main ceremony featured Shri Shantanu Thakur, the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, alongside other dignitaries. A range of highlights showcased the maritime achievements, including the release of a coffee table book chronicling India’s maritime history, the launch of a commemorative postal cover, and the unveiling of a documentary trailer that reflects on DGS’s journey since its foundation in 1949.
Additionally, the ceremony presented the DG Shipping 75th Anniversary Awards to honor remarkable contributions within the maritime industry. Categories such as the NauSakti Women in Maritime Excellence Award and the Harit Samudra – Green Shipping Pioneer Award recognized innovations and commitment to excellence.
Shri Thakur emphasized the importance of DGS in bolstering India’s maritime capabilities, asserting that the organization plays a crucial role in regulating the industry, supporting seafarers, and ensuring compliance with global standards. He reiterated the commitment to enhancing India’s position as a leading maritime nation, fostering innovation, and opening new avenues in the shipping sector for youth.
Director General of Shipping, Shri Shyam Jaganathan, acknowledged that the celebration reflected not only 75 years of existence but also of service and leadership rooted in India’s ancient maritime heritage. Looking ahead, he outlined aspirations for the future, including goals of expanding to shipbuilding, inland navigation, and maritime sustainability, in line with the Maritime India Vision 2030. The ambitious vision aims to double India’s global seafaring share and place the nation among the top five shipbuilding countries, as well as to enhance maritime training.
The event also featured cultural performances themed “Echoes from the Sea,” celebrating the spirit of resilience and innovation of India’s maritime workforce. The Jubilee concluded with a gala dinner, providing a platform for dignitaries and maritime professionals to reflect on the past and chart a course for the future of India’s maritime industry. The event ultimately underscored a commitment to continued growth and excellence in the maritime sector, celebrating a legacy of service and adaptation to global challenges.
