Seminar on 'Emerging Maritime Challenges' on Mar 18

Kochi, Mar 14 (UNI) A one-day seminar on 'Kerala-Emerging Maritime Issues and Challenges' will be held here on March 18 to highlight the underpinning role of the state in the emerging maritime scenario of the country.

State Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan will inaugurate the seminar, being organised at the Kochi Naval Base under the aegis of the Southern Naval Command while Defence Minister A K Antony will deliver the keynote address.

A Naval release here yesterday said Kerala, with its vibrant maritime heritage and immense marine resources, had the potential to fuel the growth of an economically resurgent India.

The geo-strategic location of the state had special relevance in the overall maritime scenario which in turn manifests itself on the role of the Southern Naval Command and the Indian Navy, it said.

The seafaring traditions of Kerala, showcased by the Kunjali Marakkars and the navigation skills of Moplah fishermen at sea were greatly admired. Boat building has been intrinsic to the maritime culture of Kerala with Beypore maintaining its century-old legacy of traditional boat building, even today.

The Cochin Shipyard Ltd. has carried forward the baton and has emerged as a forerunner in the Indian Shipbuilding industry.

Eminent dignitaries like Adm (Retd) Arun Prakash, former Chief of the Naval Staff, Dr P Paleri, former Director General Indian Coast Guard, Dr Ranjan Gurukkal, Director School of Social Sciences, MG University (Kottayam) and Cmde (Retd) MK Murthy, former CMD Cochin Shipyard Ltd. will present papers at the seminar.

Dr PJ Cherian, Director Kerala Council of Historical Research, and VAdm (Retd) KK Nayyar, Chairman National Maritime Foundation will be the moderators.

UNI