Seafarers confident of India’s growing maritime future with a larger role in the global blue economy.

Pune : The three-day exhibition of paintings and photographs by seafarers, titled ‘Horizons and Seascapes’, was inaugurated on Sunday at the hands of Vice Adm Anil Jaggi AVSM, Commandant NDA and Mrs Shalini Jaggi at Balgandharva Rang Mandir (Kaladalan), J.M. Road. The inauguration coincided with 63rd National Maritime Day being celebrated on 5th April 2026 .

The exhibition owas jointly organised by Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), Institute of Marine Engineers India (IMEI), and Indian Maritime Foundation (IMF), along with the Maha Mariners Association (MMA) and Amazeng Nautical Association (ANA).  Featuring around 125 exhibits, the collection presented a diverse mix of paintings and photographs capturing the vastness, beauty, and moods of the ocean. The artworks offered a unique showcase of creativity inspired by life at sea.  The initiative also included awareness about the maritime sector and career guidance for those seeking   their career at sea .

Capt Milind Phadnis Chairman CMMI Pune Chapter, Capt Kiran Joshi , Warden CMMI, Commodore  Ajay Chitnis,  President IMF, Girish Kotwal President IMEI, Capt Harshad Patwardhan , Chairperson MMA, Sanjeev Ogale, Chairman ANA  among others in the seafarer community were present at the inauguration .

Appreciating the artworks of the seafarers, Chief Guest and Vice Adm Anil Jaggi AVSM, Commandant NDA said that this is the apt way to commemorate the National Maritime Day than, with exhibition of photographs and paintings which has a maritime flavour and hue to it.This day is to remember and recognize the various contributions of and sacrifices of all mariners who sail across the world under very challenging and demanding conditions. India is one of the largest seafaring communities in the world. In fact, 10% of the seafarers around the globe today are Indian. India’s growth is linked to what happens in the oceans and the maritime domain. This has been  demonstrated by what is happening in the Strait of HormuzFree trade and energy lines have been disrupted and is a major concern for all nations around the world. Today we need to reinforce to our citizens the importance of oceans and the maritime domain to our growing economy.

Capt Milind Phadnis Chairman CMMI delivered the welcome address and said that National Maritime Day, is observed annually on the 5th of April, honours the men and women at sea who play a vital role in sustaining India’s global trade and commerce. Much of their work happens far from public view, yet it remains essential to the prosperity and progress of our nation. Over the decades, India has strengthened its presence in global shipping, including becoming a member of the International Maritime Organization in 1959. As we honour this proud legacy, we also look ahead with confidence to India’s growing maritime future through stronger ports, greener shipping, enhanced shipbuilding, and a larger role in the global blue economy.

Capt Kiran Joshi was the master of the ceremony while Capt  Harshad Patwardhan Chairman MMA delivered the vote of thanks .