Mumbai, Oct 4 (KNN) The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur virtually flagged off MV SCI Chennai from Kandla Port for EXIM trades with the middle-eastern countries. The vessel will sail from Kandla, proceed to Kochi and Tuticorin for loading export cargo and sail towards the Middle East.

Being the biggest transporter of the sea, the Shipping Corporation of India has contributed significantly to fulfilling Prime Minister's vision of Transformation through Transportation. This was stated by the Union Minister Sonowal, addressing the diamond jubilee celebration of the corporation, in Mumbai.

The Minister congratulated the SCI and its past and present employees for becoming a symbol of success for its contribution during the 60 years of its existence. “SCI will have to further show its strength in the future”, he said. We have to work with the spirit of Team India, every citizen has to demonstrate his/her strength and succeed and take the nation forward, the Minister said.

Speaking about the potential of the maritime sector, Sonowal said that we should make people realize the power of sea as a resource and use it in the right way, by deploying the right technologies. "There are many more steps we need to take in the maritime sector, for the development of our nation and the world." He exhorted SCI to take many more initiatives in the sector, and improve awareness of the potential of the sector among people in different regions across the country.

The Minister also praised SCI for organizing the diamond jubilee programme only with in-house people and no outside help, thereby displaying a spirit of self-reliance and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Union Minister Sonowal felicitated the all-women crew members of SCI’s MT Swarna Krishna which was flagged off from JNPT Liquid Berth Jetty on March 6, 2021 and created history. Congratulating the brave-hearts, the Minister said to them: “The women of the India are marching forward, thanks to the steps taken by the government for women's empowerment. I am sure that more women will join this movement in the coming days. You have set a big example which will bring more women into this field in the future”.

The voyage was a historic one for the global shipping sector and the Union Minister extolled the courage of the woman seafarers and termed them as a glowing example of India’s Nari Shakti taking on a male dominated industry.

Union MoS Thakur said, “We are striving to develop all major ports of India in every possible manner in accordance with international standards”.

Union Minister Sonowal also virtually launched a coffee-table book on the eventful journey of SCI over the last 60 years. The coffee-table book may be accessed here.

Coinciding with the program, the Union Minister planted a Tulsi sapling at the SCI campus and witnessed a colourful play and cultural display showcased by members of the SCI family.

The dignitaries present on the occasion included Lok Sabha MP Manoj Kotak, Shipping Secretary Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust Rajeev Jalota and CMD of SCI HK Joshi.

CMD, SCI Mrs. HK Joshi said, "SCI's innovative measures and financial prudence have been a great contributor to the organization".

The event showcased cultural programs which highlighted the achievements of the organization over the last 60 years.