MET Institute of Management, in collaboration with AICTE and Observer Research Foundation (ORF), inaugurated the two-day workshop under the AICTE – VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) Programme on “Blue Economy 360°: Innovation, Sustainability, and Collaboration in the Indian Ocean” (In Hindi).

The event commenced on August 11, 2025, with the traditional lighting of the lamp, marking the beginning of an insightful dialogue on the multifaceted dimensions of the Blue Economy, centred on innovation, sustainability, and regional collaboration.

In the inaugural address, Dr. Swati Lodha, Director, MET Institute of Management, welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of integrating Hindi into discussions of national significance. She also encouraged attendees to explore student-created posters that showcased research on the Blue Economy.

Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon. Trustee, Mumbai Educational Trust, addressed the gathering with a warm welcome to participants and subject matter experts. He underscored the need to generate inclusive employment, promote innovation, and harness initiatives such as Sagarmala to unlock the vast potential of India’s maritime economy.

During the workshop Cmdr. Dr. Shrikant Kesnur, VSM (Retd), shared an inspiring talk on India’s rich maritime heritage. He called the ocean the “first version of the internet,” connecting civilisations from the Chola Empire to Vasco da Gama. Drawing parallels between the Blue Economy and a modern-day Samudramanthan, he explained how the ocean can yield innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation—but also carries inherent risks. His closing words left a mark: “Samudra Bharat hi Samruddh Bharat hai” — A maritime India is a prosperous India.

Ms. Rupa Naik, Director, World Trade Point Federation, Mumbai, brought urgency to the conversation, revealing that “Every minute, a garbage truck’s worth of waste is dumped into the ocean.” She asked, “Is this the Samudramanthan we aspire to?” Calling for responsible consumption, recycling, and plastic waste reduction, she reminded us: “Hind Mahanadi ki suraksha hamara kartavya hai” — Protecting the Indian Ocean is our duty.

The event featured distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights into India’s evolving maritime landscape.

Mr. Abhay Khare from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) spoke on the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), emphasizing the need to reduce vessel turnaround time to improve trade efficiency. He also discussed the roles of NSFT and NSOPT in cargo handling and highlighted JNPA’s distinction as India’s first Landlord Port, referencing a real-life case involving the vessel NSE Cilitoro.

Dr. Vijay Khare, Head of the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, delivered a thought-provoking session on the Blue Economy, focusing on economic development, livelihood generation, environmental sustainability, and ecosystem preservation.

Lt. Col. Gaurav Bali (SM Gallantry), Joint Director – Infrastructure, Indian Army, shared insights on innovation in coastal infrastructure. Drawing from his military background, he underscored the strategic significance of India's coastlines and the role of technology in strengthening maritime resilience. Quoting, “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war,” he emphasised the importance of preparedness.

On Day 2, discussions centred on reimagining Indian Ocean governance in light of the escalating climate emergency.

Ms. Aparna Roy, Fellow and Lead – Climate Change & Energy at ORF Kolkata, delivered an insightful address urging participants to rethink their relationship with the Indian Ocean, beginning with the question: “Why Blue?” She stressed that a robust blue economy must be built on economic, environmental, and cultural foundations — supporting coastal livelihoods, preserving biodiversity, and promoting low-carbon, innovation-driven development. Emphasising the interconnectedness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ms. Roy called for integrated action that aligns economic progress with ecological stewardship.

The sessions emphasised the urgent need for sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-led approaches to managing ocean resources, highlighting the role of collaboration, policy, and environmental resilience in shaping the future of the blue economy.

Dr. Asmita Jadhav, Environmentalist and Assistant Professor at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, shed light on the pressing environmental challenges facing India’s marine and coastal ecosystems. She underscored the consequences of replacing natural coastal defenses like mangroves with infrastructure and highlighted threats such as plastic pollution, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion. Advocating for a sustainable blue economy grounded in equity, ecosystem-based planning, and the “polluter pays” principle, Dr. Jadhav introduced Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a critical tool for policy and decision-making.

Event featured thought-provoking sessions by Dr. Nitin Kulkarni, Associate Professor, MET IOM, and Dr. Anusha Kesarkar-Gavankar, Senior Research Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, offering deep insights into shaping India’s maritime future.

Dr. Kulkarni shed light on the government’s strategic vision for harnessing the ocean’s economic potential while ensuring environmental stewardship. He emphasised the need for policy alignment, cross-sectoral collaboration, and investment in innovation to transform India into a global leader in the Blue Economy.

Dr. Anusha’s session brought a nuanced perspective on community participation, capacity building, and equitable growth. Highlighting real-world case studies, she stressed that the Blue Economy’s success hinges on balancing ecological preservation with livelihood generation, ensuring that progress benefits all stakeholders.

Together, the sessions reinforced the message that India’s maritime journey must be both ambitious and responsible for driving growth without compromising the health of our oceans.

As part of the two-day AICTE VAANI workshop held on 12th August 2025, on the theme "Blue Economy 360°: Innovation, Sustainability and Collaboration in the Indian Ocean," an engaging activity titled ‘Bharat: Ek Samudri Shakti 2047 – Aapka Drishtikon’ was conducted.

Participants were assigned topics related to various aspects of the Blue Economy and asked to visually represent their ideas on chart paper. The activity encouraged creative thinking and helped participants explore future possibilities of India’s maritime growth. Selected participants also presented their charts, fostering interactive dialogue and collaborative learning.

The workshop concluded with a Valedictory Session, graced by the presence of Mr. Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai. Mr. Shoshani interacted with the participants, sharing insights on global maritime cooperation and the importance of sustainable development in ocean-related sectors. He also distributed Certificates of Participation to all attendees and appreciated their active involvement.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Kobbi Shoshani for gracing the occasion and for his encouraging words and meaningful engagement with the participants.

Tags: MET Institute of Management