Mangaluru: National Maritime Day Celebration Committee at New Mangalore Port conducted various events for seven consecutive days starting March 30, marking the 54th National Maritime Day on Wednesday, April 5.

A seminar on the theme 'Connecting India through shipping' was held by New Mangalore Port along with MMD, Mangaluru on Saturday, April 1. A talk on theme was broadcasted in All India Radio on April 5, banners of which were displayed at various conspicuous locations in the city.

NMDCC conducted mini-marathon, tennis ball cricket tournament, drawing competition in school, car treasure hunt and tug of war as parts of celebrations. In addition, NMDCC organized a blood donation camp at NMPT hospital. Oil spill mock drill for stakeholders, a port visit for school students and ship visit for marine college students was held.

On the eve of the day, a wreath-laying ceremony was performed by the chairman of NMPT along with other officers and port users on April 5 at Seamen’s Memorial to pay tributes to the unsung seafarers who laid their lives at sea.

Deepak Shetty, IRS (retd), former director general of Shipping, Govt of India, was the chief guest and P C Parida, chairman, NMPT, presided over the valedictory function held at NMPT Auditorium on April 5.

April 5 marks the National Maritime Day of India. On this day in 1919, Navigation History was created when SS Loyalty, the first Indian flagship, sailed from Mumbai to United Kingdom. The National Maritime Day was first celebrated on 5th April 1964.