Directorate General of Shipping Marks 75 Years with Platinum Jubilee Celebration
Commemorative Stamp, Documentary, and Cultural Tribute Unveiled at SEEPZ, Mumbai
Mumbai, 4 September 2025 — The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India’s apex maritime regulatory authority, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee with a landmark ceremony at the Bharat Ratnam Mega Common Facilitation Centre, SEEPZ SEZ, Mumbai. The event marked 75 years of service to India’s maritime sector, highlighting the organization’s legacy, achievements, and future vision.
The evening was graced by Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who served as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering. His speech emphasized the strategic importance of shipping in India’s economic growth and the government’s commitment to modernizing maritime infrastructure.
Celebrating Legacy Through Symbolic Launches
To commemorate the milestone, the DGS unveiled a series of symbolic tributes:
- A Commemorative Stamp, launched in collaboration with India Post, capturing the essence of India’s maritime journey and the role of DGS in shaping it
- A Coffee Table Book, chronicling the evolution of the Directorate, key policy milestones, and stories from the sea
- A Newspaper Supplement, offering insights into the organization’s contributions to shipping safety, training, and international compliance
- A Documentary Trailer, previewing a full-length feature titled Echoes from the Sea, which explores the human stories behind India’s shipping corridors
These launches served as a reflection of the Directorate’s multifaceted role—from regulatory oversight and seafarer welfare to international maritime diplomacy.
75th Anniversary Awards Ceremony
The evening also featured the 75th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, where distinguished individuals and institutions were felicitated for their contributions to India’s maritime ecosystem. Awards were presented across categories including:
- Excellence in Maritime Education
- Innovation in Shipping Technology
- Outstanding Contribution to Seafarer Welfare
- Leadership in Port Operations
The honorees represented a cross-section of stakeholders—from government bodies and private operators to training institutes and NGOs—underscoring the collaborative nature of India’s maritime progress.
Cultural Capsule: “Echoes from the Sea”
Adding a creative dimension to the celebration, the event concluded with a cultural capsule titled “Echoes from the Sea.” The performance blended music, visuals, and storytelling to portray the emotional and historical depth of India’s maritime heritage. From ancient trade routes to modern cargo vessels, the capsule traced the journey of Indian shipping through the lens of its people.
A Vision for the Future
In his keynote address, Shri Shantanu Thakur highlighted the government’s initiatives under the Sagarmala Programme, aimed at port-led development, coastal connectivity, and employment generation. He also emphasized the importance of digital transformation, green shipping practices, and international partnerships in shaping the next phase of India’s maritime strategy.
The Platinum Jubilee celebration served not only as a tribute to the past but also as a platform to reaffirm the Directorate’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and global leadership in shipping standards.
As India continues to expand its maritime footprint, the Directorate General of Shipping remains a cornerstone of policy, regulation, and innovation—steering the nation’s shipping sector toward a future anchored in excellence.
