India’s Maritime History Neglected for Decades, IMHC Attempts to Revive Academic Focus- Sarbananda Sonowal
New Delhi [India], December 12: The two day long India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC) drew a successful closure as the maiden conclave attempt to revive academic focus on India’s maritime history.
Speaking at the valedictory session, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal , said, “India has a rich legacy of maritime history. But, unfortunately, for decades, it remained neglected. With the successful hosting of maiden India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC), the Government of India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, is making an earnest attempt to revive academic focus on India’s maritime legacy. The engaging brainstorming among maritime experts from leading maritime nations of the world is a testament as how we can revive, recite and repurpose our maritime history for attempting to find sustainable solutions for contemporary challenges.”
The conclave was attended global experts and academicians from 11 nations to present, deliberate & attempt at finding sustainable solutions to the contemporary challenges in the maritime sector of the world. While India remained in focus, the global historians and maritime experts put onus on the country’s more than 5000 year old history for shared growth at the conclave.
Speaking further, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India’s maritime rise under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is a testament to the nation’s progress and resurgence as a major global power. From enhanced port operations and logistics to mega-infrastructure development, India is earning global recognition as it aims to become a major maritime nation by 2030. The exploration of our rich maritime history, especially with the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, is reshaping the world’s perspective on India’s shipping sector. At IMHC, we are creating an academic platform for the global experts to pool in their knowledge and apply it eventually to problem solving keeping the best interests of humanity with sustainable usage of our oceans.”
Prominent maritime nations, including Greece, Italy, and the UK, have joined hands to celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage, underscoring its global significance. With historical ties tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, this collaboration highlights how the world is rediscovering Bharat’s unique naval legacy.
The upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal – home to the world’s first manmade dock – marks a milestone in celebrating India’s maritime legacy. IMHC puts the spotlight on the global collaboration for this ambitious project, highlighting the technologies and innovations of ancient times. Sustainability emerged as a central theme at the IMHC as it aligns with India’s Net Zero goals and emphasising the pivotal role of the shipping industry in achieving these targets. The many academic session at the IMHC showcased how the NMHC is poised to become a symbol of India’s maritime heritage and its vision for a sustainable future.
Sarbananda Sonowal concluded, “ Our maritime history, which predates the Indus Valley Civilisation, reveals Bharat’s ancient global linkages and its role as the Global Connector. The sessions highlighted prehistoric bead-making and ship-building techniques that were once in demand worldwide, showcasing our rich legacy. Today, under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, this heritage of maritime sector is being rediscovered. For far too long, this unique and rich legacy remained neglected and uncelebrated. Not anymore as the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, an Indus Valley Civilisation site and home to the world’s first dock, will stand as a testament to this legacy. Our seafarers take pride in our rich legacy, our rich history as one of the first in the world to sail the ocean and connect the world. Today, as our shipping sector grows rapidly and India aspires to become a leading maritime and shipbuilding power, our ancient technologies will guide us in building a sustainable global shipping industry led by India.”
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