India’s maritime heritage is emphasized by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar as a “Global Connector.”
Honorable Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar gave a special address to kick off the first day of the eagerly anticipated India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 (IMHC 2024), which is being held at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). He underlined the significance of conserving India’s maritime heritage for coming generations. The conclave underscored India’s emergence as a maritime powerhouse, which brought together prominent speakers, key ministers, maritime experts, and thought leaders from around the world. It highlighted India’s rich maritime legacy, its crucial role in influencing cultural and economic exchanges worldwide, and its vision for sustainable maritime innovation.
“India is a rising maritime giant today, strategically using its location and cutting-edge infrastructure to lead international maritime projects. We are building strong international relationships and guaranteeing regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific by means of sophisticated marine diplomacy, especially programs like Sagar, security, and growth for everyone in the area. Rule-based order is essential, and India is leading the charge to guarantee that more people adhere to the rule-based system on the oceans. The Honorable Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar, expressed his confidence and optimism that the two-day nautical Heritage Conclave 2024 will reassert our shared commitment to honoring our nautical heritage while moving forward with sustainable innovation.
The India Maritime Heritage Conclave fosters collaboration with key ministries like Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs and Education, and Culture and Tourism and highlights opportunities for skill development and employment, aligning with the Labour Ministry’s goals of creating sustainable livelihoods. It also inspires youth to explore maritime careers and integrates heritage into education. In partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the event promotes India’s maritime legacy as a catalyst for cultural preservation and tourism. Together, these ministries create a unified framework for national development, youth empowerment, and global engagement.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized India’s dedication to conserving and advancing its maritime legacy when kicking off the colloquium. Shri Sonowal discussed the importance of this endeavor, saying, “Our rich maritime heritage is a beacon for our future, not just a story of our past. By promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations, this conference underscores India’s leadership in maritime innovation and conservation.A step in that direction is the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, where we shall bring our maritime history to life for future generations under the inspiring direction and leadership of our honorable Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi Ji. It will inspire young brains and highlight the genius of our forefathers.
He continued by saying, “The ocean is more than just a resource; it is a legacy—a bridge that unites civilizations, promotes creativity, and shapes our identity as a maritime nation. In addition to honoring our forebears, protecting our maritime legacy opens up a world of opportunities for travel, education, and youth involvement. Let’s encourage the next generation to carry on this tradition and turn it into a lighthouse for global leadership, cultural interchange, and sustainable progress.
Prominent dignitaries gave speeches at the first session.”Our maritime past serves as a source of inspiration and pride, fostering global appreciation of India’s unique legacy,” said Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, emphasizing the incorporation of maritime heritage into cultural tourism.From the historic dockyards of Lothal to the cross-cultural interactions cultivated by our ancestors, India’s rich maritime legacy represents centuries of economic success and international interconnectedness. We pay tribute to this past as we create the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, charting a path for future innovation, sustainability, and cooperation. The solution to the world’s problems and possibilities lies in our oceans, which are a source of wealth and safety.
“Understanding our maritime roots empowers the youth to connect with their heritage and innovate for a sustainable future,” said Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon. Union Minister for Labor and Employment and kids Affairs and Sports, in reference to the potential of maritime studies in involving youth. The southern states of India have long supported economic growth, linking India to far-off beaches and cultivating a tradition of maritime brilliance under the visionary leadership of dynasties like the Cholas. Being the only nation with an ocean bearing its name, our legacy is evident in wonders like Lothal, the oldest artificial dockyard in the world, and the commitment of the Malam people to educating the world about the marine industry. This abundance of traditional knowledge is a great source of pride and motivation for the development of our marine future.
While Shri T K Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW, welcomed attendees and provided background information, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, highlighted India’s historic contributions to international trade networks.In his vote of thanks, Joint Secretary for Ports and Sagarmala Shri Bhushan Kumar expressed gratitude for the teamwork that went into planning the conference.
A thorough examination of India’s historical contributions to international trade, culture, and invention was provided by the keynote addresses and panel discussions on the country’s maritime heritage, which flowed naturally together. After an insightful talk by Prof. Vasant Shinde about India’s maritime history as it is shown at the Lothal Museum, Eric Staples explored India’s ties to the Western Indian Ocean. Dr. Rajiv Nigam added to these observations by analyzing how human civilizations are impacted by coastal surroundings, creating a complex account of maritime history.
Expanding upon these themes, the panel discussions also convened distinguished specialists to delve deeper into India’s historic maritime customs and commerce networks. India’s essential role as a global connector through its rich maritime traditions was highlighted by topics like the Harappan Civilization’s Internal and External Trade Links, India’s Contact with the Roman World and Its Impact, and Trade and Cultural Relations between India, Southeast Asia, and Beyond.
Inaugurated by dignitaries, the day also included an exhibition highlighting India’s historical commerce routes, navigation systems, and shipbuilding techniques. The day concluded with a lively cultural presentation that offered a wonderful fusion of celebration and scholarship, honoring India’s coastal traditions.
Engaging conversations on topics like the Cholas’ contributions to maritime history, developments in traditional shipbuilding, and the development of naval strength in India are anticipated on Day 2 of the conference. The main conclusions and a plan for conserving and advancing India’s maritime heritage will be outlined in a concluding session.
