The 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024), organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on December 11-12, marked a significant occasion to honor India’s rich maritime legacy while envisioning its future as a global maritime leader. This landmark event brought together key ministers, maritime experts, and international dignitaries, reaffirming India’s crucial role in global trade and culture. The conclave also highlighted the nation’s growing maritime potential, emphasizing sustainable practices and opportunities for employment and innovation in the sector.
Historic Significance of India’s Maritime Heritage
India’s maritime history is embedded in ancient traditions, dating back to the Rig Veda and the Indus Valley Civilization, where maritime activities and trade played a pivotal role. The conclave explored India’s enduring maritime identity, from ancient shipbuilding techniques to historical trade routes that connected the country with the rest of the world. Modern India, with its extensive coastline and strategic ports, continues to dominate global trade, handling 95% of its trade volume and 70% of its value through maritime channels.
Key Highlights and Contributions
The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, with Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering messages of support. Discussions centered on making India a global maritime hub, creating employment, and preserving maritime heritage. The two-day event included keynote sessions, panel discussions, and an exhibition showcasing India’s maritime techniques and trade history. Over 20 international exhibitors participated, and the event saw representation from countries like Greece, Italy, and the UK.
National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal
A focal point of the conclave was the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, a city with historical significance dating back to 2600 BCE. The NMHC will showcase ancient shipbuilding methods and trade techniques, celebrating India’s historical contributions to global maritime practices.
A Vision for India’s Maritime Future
The conclave also emphasized India’s future trajectory as a maritime powerhouse, with discussions on sustainable blue economy practices, the creation of employment opportunities, and integrating maritime heritage into India’s education system. The government’s development of the NMHC is part of a broader effort to solidify India’s position as a global maritime leader, combining historical legacy with forward-thinking innovation.
Collaboration and Participation
The conclave was a collaborative effort, with contributions from the Ministry of Labor and Employment, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Tourism and Culture, alongside the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. States like Gujarat, Goa, Bihar, and Arunachal Pradesh also played a key role, reflecting the event’s national importance.
Summary of the news
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 | Organized by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), held on Dec 11-12, 2024, to celebrate India’s maritime legacy and future role as a global maritime leader. |
| Theme of IMHC 2024 | “Towards Understanding India’s Position in Global Maritime History.” |
| Key Dignitaries | Inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and PM Modi also addressed the conclave. |
| Participants in IMHC 2024 | Ministers from Gujarat, Goa, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, and dignitaries from 11 countries participated. |
| National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) | Located at Lothal, Gujarat. A historic site dating to 2600 BCE with the oldest manmade dockyard. The complex will showcase India’s ancient maritime techniques. |
| States Involved | Gujarat, Goa, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Ministry Involved | Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) |
| Relevant Schemes and Plans | Development of NMHC at Lothal to preserve and showcase India’s maritime heritage. Focus on employment in maritime sector. |
| Significant Historical Reference | India’s maritime history traces back to the Rig Veda and Indus Valley Civilization with major contributions to global trade and culture. |
| Maritime Stats | India has a 7,500 km coastline, 13 major ports, 200 non-major ports, handling 95% of trade volume, 70% of trade value. Annual cargo capacity: 1,200 million tonnes. |
| Government Collaborations | Ministries involved: Ministry of Labor and Employment, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism and Culture. |
| Key Focus Areas | Sustainable maritime practices, skill development, integration into the education system, tourism promotion, and preservation of maritime heritage. |
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