National Maritime Day 2023: In India, National Maritime Week begins on March 30 and concludes on April 5 with National Maritime Day. The event, which celebrates India’s significant contribution to the maritime industry and its history as a seafaring nation, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. National Maritime Day plays a crucial role in promoting awareness about India’s maritime heritage and current role in supporting the country’s economy. The day is an opportunity to thank the sailors who work tirelessly at sea, often spending months away from their families, to keep the industry running smoothly.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
National Maritime Day 2023: Theme
Although the theme for this year’s National Maritime Day in India has yet to be announced, the theme for National Maritime Week 2023 has been revealed as “Amrit Kaal in Shipping.” The phrase “Golden Era in Shipping” refers to the 25-year period between India’s 75th and 100th years of independence. The theme emphasizes the potential for significant progress and development in the Indian maritime industry during this period, leading to a ‘golden era’ for the sector.
National Maritime Day: History
National Maritime Day in India has its roots in the country’s rich maritime history, which dates back to ancient times. The Rig Vedas mention Indian ships and the country’s trade with western Asia. In ancient India, the Gangaridai Empire, the Chola dynasty, and the Mauryan Empire were all powerful maritime civilizations. In modern times, National Maritime Day in India commemorates the maiden voyage of the first Indian steamship, the S.S. Loyalty, of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd. in 1919 from Mumbai to London. The Scindia dynasty of Gwalior owned the company, which was the second-oldest shipping company in India.
India’s maritime history includes many notable achievements, such as the discovery of a dry dock in Lothal, Gujarat, dating back to 2400 BC, which is believed to be the oldest in the world. The Marathas, led by Chatrapati Shivaji, also became a formidable maritime force, resisting British and Portuguese rule for over 40 years.