Today, India celebrates its 58th ‘National Maritime Day’, a day that was first celebrated to spread awareness about intercontinental commerce and the economy in 1964.

It was on April 5. 1919 that Indian shipping began when the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd, named SS Loyalty, sailed from Mumbai to London

India celebrates this day of the year as National Maritime Day.

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The day holds more historic significance considering that the sea routes were still under British control at that time. Today, the nation has 43 shipping companies owning 1,401ships with an aggregate of 12.69 million gross tonnage as of December 2018, according to the Directorate General of Shipping.

The is also celebrated to reach support to the global economy, with an environmentally sound and responsive approach, along with organised and safe way of transporting goods from one place to another.

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India also became a member of the International Maritime Organisation in 1959, which is responsible for the prevention of pollution from ships and maritime protection.

An award ceremony is also organised to honour the ones who have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s maritime sector. The award is called ‘Varuna Award’ which is presented for invaluable and sustained contributions. It includes an idol of Lord Varuna.

Also, ‘Outstanding Contribution to Maritime Education and Training Award’ is is given to recognise the efforts of distinguished individuals in the forte of maritime education and training.