National Maritime Day 2022

Context

National Maritime Day in India is observed on 5 April every year. 

• This year is the 59th edition of the National Maritime Day.

History

• National Maritime Day was first celebrated on April 5, 1964. 
• The saga of Indian shipping first started on April 5, 1919, when the SS Loyalty, the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd travelled from Mumbai to the United Kingdom (London). 
• On this day an award called “Varuna” is conferred to those who made an outstanding contribution to the Indian maritime sector.

Theme

• Last year’s theme for the National Maritime Day was ‘Sustainable Shipping Beyond COVID-19.’ 
• An official announcement for this year’s theme hasn’t been made yet.
• This day is celebrated to support the global economy, the most well-organized, safe and sound environmentally responsive approach to transporting goods from one corner to another corner of the world.

Significance

• The National Maritime Day 2022 holds significance laced with the historical journey of India’s maritime sector, and is celebrated every year to cherish the history, the ongoing development, and the futuristic visions of maritime trade in and around the country.
• The day is dedicated to the celebration of the pivotal role that the maritime industry plays in the booming and sustenance of the Indian economy. 
• In addition, on this day, myriad players and participants in the maritime sector are applauded and lauded with awards to recognise their efforts and contribution. 
• People are honored with the Varuna Award, which is considered the highest honour for a person who has outstandingly contributed to the Indian maritime.