DGS celebrates 75 years of shaping maritime India

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee in Mumbai, marking 75 years of service to India’s maritime sector. The event, held at the Bharat Ratnam-Mega Common Facilitation Centre, SEEPZ SEZ, brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, academicians, international delegates and maritime professionals to commemorate the country’s maritime journey since 1949.

The celebrations began with the inauguration of the “75 Years of Sea and Service” Maritime Exhibition by Shri Rajiv Jalota, I.A.S., Former Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority and Former Director General of Shipping, along with Capt. (Dr) Ashutosh V Apandkar, Principal, TS Rehman. The exhibition showcased India’s maritime heritage, rare archival records and innovations that have shaped the shipping industry. Retired officers, DGS staff and their families joined the walk through history.

The Platinum Jubilee ceremony was attended by Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, along with Shri Shyam Jaganathan, I.A.S., Director General of Shipping, Capt. B.K Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director of Shipping Corporation of India, Shri Manoj Kumar, I.R.S., Chief Vigilance Officer of DGS, and Shri Manoj Kumar, Director (Mails & BD), Postal Services.

Key highlights included the launch of a commemorative postal cover and customised My Stamp, the release of a coffee table book on India’s maritime journey and the screening of a documentary trailer tracing the evolution of the Directorate since its inception.

Awards were also presented to recognise excellence across the sector. Categories included the NauSakti Women in Maritime Excellence Award, Harit Samudra – Green Shipping Pioneer Award, Digital Naukik – Tech Transformation Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Shantanu Thakur said the Directorate had been the backbone of India’s maritime growth by supporting seafarers, regulating the industry and maintaining global standards. He stressed the commitment to strengthen India’s position in global shipping, encourage innovation and create opportunities for the youth.

Director General of Shipping Shri Shyam Jaganathan said the organisation’s journey reflected service, resilience and leadership rooted in India’s ancient maritime traditions. He highlighted the transition towards becoming a Directorate of Maritime Affairs, with an expanded mandate in shipbuilding, inland navigation, offshore operations and sustainability, guided by Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047.

The celebration also featured cultural performances under the theme “Echoes from the Sea”, honouring India’s seafarers. It concluded with a gala dinner where dignitaries, retired officers and maritime professionals reflected on past achievements and envisioned the future of India’s maritime sector.