Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Highlights India’s Maritime Vision at GMU Convocation

250 Students Conferred Degrees at GMU’s Inaugural Convocation; 13 Honoured with Gold Medals

Universities dedicated to specialised sectors such as maritime studies play a pivotal role in shaping industry-ready professionals and advancing national development objectives. In this regard, Gujarat Maritime University (GMU), established under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and administered by the Gujarat Maritime Board, seeks to bridge the knowledge gap within the maritime domain and position India as a global leader in maritime education and training. Offering programmes in maritime law, shipping finance, logistics, and port management, GMU is committed to cultivating skilled human capital for the evolving maritime economy.

Against this backdrop, GMU held its first convocation ceremony on 19 July 2025 in Gandhinagar, marking a significant milestone in its academic journey. The event commenced with a welcome address and the presentation of the annual report by Professor Dr. S. Shanthakumar, GMU’s in-charge Dean, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Chirag Patel, the in-charge Registrar. The ceremony was graced by the presence of senior dignitaries, including Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M.K. Das, Revenue Department’s Jayanti Ravi, Ports and Transport Secretary R.C. Meena, and Gujarat Maritime Board CEO Rajkumar Beniwal, alongside deans, faculty members, academicians, and families of the graduating students.

Addressing the graduates, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised the vast career opportunities within the maritime sector, noting that India is increasingly recognised as a major global source of maritime talent. He attributed this growing international confidence to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called upon young professionals to lead the sector forward with dedication to national interest and a commitment to preserving India’s rich maritime heritage. He further highlighted that GMU was founded to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming Gujarat into a hub for port-led development by nurturing a world-class workforce through modern education rooted in India’s maritime legacy.

During the ceremony, 188 LLM and 62 MBA students were conferred degrees, while 13 students, including eight women, received Gold Medals for academic excellence. The Chief Minister also underscored Gujarat’s ancient maritime connections, referencing the 4,000-year-old Lothal port and the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex, both emblematic of the Prime Minister’s “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi” vision.

In his welcome address, Gujarat Chief Secretary and GMU President Pankaj Joshi lauded the university’s achievements in innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. He remarked that the convocation not only celebrated academic success but also signified the emergence of a new generation poised to lead India’s maritime future on the global stage. He further elaborated on GMU’s international partnerships with organisations such as UNEP, the International Group of P&I Clubs, ISWAN, and IUCN, and highlighted the university’s robust record of hosting major conferences, signing over 20 MoUs, and establishing strong training infrastructure across Gujarat. Additionally, he noted that GMU’s students and faculty had published over 100 research papers in reputed journals and announced the university’s recognition as “Maritime Capacity Building Champion in India” at the Star Awards 2024. The convocation marked a proud moment for GMU and reaffirmed its role in shaping the future of India’s maritime sector with global relevance and national pride

Editor’s Note:

The first convocation of Gujarat Maritime University marks an important milestone in the growth of maritime education in India. As the country continues to strengthen its focus on port-led development and global maritime partnerships, institutions like GMU play a key role in preparing a skilled workforce that meets both national goals and international expectations. The presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior officials highlights the vital role of maritime education in supporting the Prime Minister’s vision for a strong and culturally rooted maritime sector. This convocation honoured the academic achievements of the graduates but also reinforced GMU’s dedication to innovation, international cooperation, and building capacity in the sector. As its students step into professional roles, the university is well-positioned to support India’s growing leadership in the maritime world, guided by excellence, rooted in heritage, and committed to the nation’s progress.

Skoobuzz highlights that India’s growing focus on maritime education and global leadership marks a strong step toward building a skilled, future-ready workforce rooted in heritage and innovation.