Shipping Minister Sonowal Heaps Praise on IMU, Calls It a “Lighthouse” of Learning
Chennai:
Port Wings News Network:
Indian Maritime University (IMU) is not just a university; it is a lighthouse of learning, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has said.
He was addressing the students during the 10th convocation of IMU held at its headquarters located in the outskirts of Chennai on 26 September 2025.
Sarbananda Sonowal said: “It [IMU] is the institution that prepares the captains, navigators, engineers, managers, and researchers who will take India’s maritime journey forward. In this great national effort, the Indian Maritime University holds a central place.”
Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on maritime, Sonowal said, “Our Prime Minister has always emphasized that ports are not just about cargo, but about the prosperity of the people. We are grateful for his strong support, which has turned maritime affairs into a national priority.”
Sonowal said: “We have great expectations from the IMU. We want it to become a world-class centre of excellence, not only in teaching but also in innovation and research. We want it to set global benchmarks in training seafarers, developing new shipping technologies, exploring the blue economy, and preparing for challenges like climate change and digital transformation in shipping. We expect IMU to build strong collaborations with the best universities in the world, to be a hub for maritime innovation, and to nurture startups and entrepreneurs who can solve real-world problems.”
“The [Shipping] Ministry will extend all possible support to the IMU in this journey. Achievements are proof that IMU is steadily moving towards becoming a global centre of learning. I am confident that IMU will continue to shine brighter in the years to come,” Sonowal added.
Exhorting the students who received degrees during the convocation to help in nation building, Sonowal said, “My dear young friends, as you step out of the gates of this University, remember that the nation has high hopes from you. You are going to be the navigators of our future. We want to build a nation that is strong, prosperous, inclusive, and respected across the world. For this, the maritime sector has a key role. You must play your role with dedication. Some of you will work on ships, some in ports, some in logistics, some in research. Wherever you go, carry the spirit of service to the nation. Be ethical, be innovative, and be bold. The seas are vast and full of opportunities.”
Speaking about the significance of maritime and country’s growth, Sonowal said, “India’s rise in this century is closely tied to the oceans. From the oceans comes prosperity, from prosperity comes India’s fulfillment. Let this be your guiding light. New Challenges are emerging each day, due to dynamic global geo-political situation, emergence of Artificial intelligence, climate change, quantum jumps in technology within a short span of time, etc. You must all face these challenges with determination and continue to up-skill yourself to adapt and emerge victorious in whatever challenging situation you find yourself.”
A total of 2,198 students from IMU’s four schools, spread across six campuses and affiliated institutions, received their degrees. Among them were four PhD scholars and one MS (Research) graduate. More importantly, 171 women received degrees in their respective fields in Maritime sector.
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