The Nautical Institute London to open Chandigarh Branch

Mr Philip Wake, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute London visited the city to explore options to contribute to the city in making it a shipping-support hub.

Received in traditional Punjabi style and led into the venue under the phulkari cover, and greeted by Bhangra dancers, Mr Wake announced that The Nautical Institute shall have the Chandigarh branch next month, at the beat of the ‘nagara’.

Mr Philip Wake who has been decorated with the Order of British Empire (OBE) for his services by the British Government, said that The Nautical Institute is an international centre of nautical excellence, which provides the strongest possible professional focus, dedicated to improving standards of those involved in control of seagoing crafts.

He commended the senior, retired, and the youthful seafarers of Chandigarh and Punjab who are making remarkable contribution to the world-wide maritime field and announced that by next month the Nautical Institute shall have its presence in the city.

The presence of The Nautical Institute which enjoys the consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), would further expand the horizons of the seafarers joining the maritime industry, he said.

Capt Sivraman Krishnamurthi who had been the youngest and only Indian to be the world president of The Institute few years back, said the Chandigarh has the advantage of well-groomed English-speaking youth who can get into this lucrative profession.

Former mariner, and a senior Rotarian, former Rotary International Director Yash Pal Das made a presentation as to how the seafarers continue to serve humanity through diverse ways, and showcased how he spearheaded the Rotary's project of building and handing over 32 schools in the upper reaches of Rudraprayag district in Uttrakhand  that were destroyed in the massive floods in 2013.

An audio-visual "From Rubbles to Rubies" was screened that showed how the schools have changed the lives of children in 32 villages. 

Capt M S Kahlon, the branch development contact said that The Nautical Institute with its nearly 83 branches, has three branches in India, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi, with Chandigarh being the fourth one.

The Chandigarh branch shall be operational next month with formal presentation of the charter, he added.