60th Nat’l Maritime Day celebrated at New M’lore port

Mangaluru: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) celebrated its 60th National Maritime Day on Wednesday.
All port crafts, and vessels in the port were decked up for the occasion, and sirens were blown by the vessels, to pay their respect, during the unfurling of the flag. ‘Sail Past’ which is the ceremonial guard of honour, was received by deputy chairperson KG Nath, from the various vessels of the port, as per tradition.
Traditional folk arts and Yakshagana were performed in the Port’s Craft (tug boat) for the audience in the celebration, which was a unique performance. Prizes were awarded to stakeholders, students, officers, employees and staff, for participating in various competitions, during the week-long celebration, that began on March 30.
The deputy chairperson in his presidential speech, recalled the significance of the ancient Port of Lothal in the maritime sector, and the ambitious project of constructing the National Maritime Heritage Complex by the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW), in collaboration with the SagarMala Scheme, to recreate Lothal in the same way as it was during ancient times, to showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime glory, and highlight the robust maritime history of the country.