Pune, India – May 2025 – Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI) proudly hosted its End-of-Program Felicitation Ceremony to honor the graduating cadets of the 2021 Marine Engineering batch, the 2022 Nautical Science batch, and the 2024 Diploma in Nautical Science batch. The occasion marked a significant milestone in the cadets’ academic journey and was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General of Shipping, Government of India.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Sanjeet Kanungo, Principal of TMI, who extended heartfelt greetings to all guests and dignitaries. Dr. Sujata Naik, Chairperson – Tolani Maritime Institute, welcomed the Chief Guest and all the dignitaries from the shipping industry present on the occasion. Among the distinguished dignitaries were Mr. Satish Kumar Singh, MD – MOL Maritime India Pvt. Ltd.; Capt. Albe Zachariah, GM – MOL Maritime India Pvt. Ltd.; Capt. Shashi Khanna, Director – Quality Assurance, Scorpio Marine Management (I) Pvt. Ltd.; Capt. Rajat Kathuria, Learning & Development Manager – Scorpio Marine Management (I) Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Abir Dey, Manager, Maritime Education and Training – NYK Ship Management Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. R. Kumar, MD – TSCL.
Mr. Shailendra Kumar, Vice Principals (ME) presented detailed course reports, offering valuable insights into the academic and professional development of the graduating cadets. These presentations highlighted the institute’s rigorous training programs, the cadets’ perseverance, and their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Outstanding cadets were recognized with special awards for academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the institute and society. These honors reflected the high standards of TMI and celebrated the cadets’ remarkable achievements during their time at the institute.
A memorable moment of the ceremony was the presentation of mementos to each graduating cadet, symbolizing the culmination of their shore based Pre Sea Training. These tokens served as lasting reminders of their experiences, growth, and camaraderie developed over the years.
In his address, Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde underscored the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, outlining its ambitious goals and strategic roadmap. He emphasized initiatives aimed at increasing India’s global maritime presence, the empowerment of women in the shipping industry, and the mental and emotional well-being of seafarers. He also shared the government’s vision to expand the Indian seafarer base from 12% to 20% in the near future.
Cadet representatives from each graduating batch delivered heartfelt valedictory speeches, reflecting on their transformative experiences at TMI. They spoke of the personal and professional growth achieved during their tenure and expressed a deep commitment to carrying forward the values and lessons instilled by the institute.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Capt. Manoj Kumar Hirkane, Senior Vice Principal delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the esteemed Chief Guest, industry dignitaries, faculty, staff, and most importantly, the cadets and their families. His words acknowledged the collective efforts that made the event a success and emphasized the continuing support of TMI’s stakeholders in nurturing future maritime leaders.
The ceremony concluded on an emotional yet hopeful note, with cadets and faculty cherishing memories while looking ahead to new beginnings at sea. It was a fitting tribute to the journey of learning, discipline, and excellence that defines the TMI experience. Tolani Maritime Institute congratulates the graduating cadets and wishes them fair winds and great success in all their future endeavors.
