9th May every year is celebrated as NUSI Founder- Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang Day and is also a paid holiday for seafarers working onboard Indian and foreign flagships.  Representatives from the shipping fraternity, Seafarers and family members came together in large numbers.

Mr Rajiv Jalota, Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority paid homage at the “Seafarers War Memorial” alongwith the ship owners and other shipping fraternity and participated in the NUSI Founder Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang Day on 9th May, 2022 in the get-together function held at the Indian Sailors Home Society (ISHS).

Capt. Nand Hiranandani presided over the function and in his presidential address said that the ceremony was supposed to be graced by Mr Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra however, not able to make it due to medical reasons and has agreed to visit in the near future. Capt. Hiranandani appreciated the presence of Mr Rajiv Jalota, Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority & Mr Amitabh Kumar the Director General Shipping and all the ship owners for their support.

Mr Rajiv Jalota, Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority, was the Chief Guest. He also addressed that many welfare schemes for workers and families have been implemented through the NUSI trade union for sailors, I have not seen such schemes by any other trade union and appreciated the same. In his inaugural address further said that the work of his organization is a matter of pride. Even during the Corona Crisis, naval workers worked and served the country and assured that Mumbai Port will provide assistance for the hostel for sailors.

Mr Abdulgani Y. Serang, General Secretary -cum- Treasurer speaking on the occasion said that all services like railways, airlines, roadways, etc. were closed during the global Corona crisis. However, the workers of the ship and the dock continued their work and cooperated with the national service. On behalf of NUSI and in collaboration with Ship Owners, NUSI has implemented a number of welfare schemes for workers and families, including NUSI Suraksha Kavach an Insurance plan that has a safety shield, Scholarships for children, Medical Grant, Medical kits and Oximeters for seafarers and their families. In the First and Second World Wars, 1150 sailors sacrificed their lives. Mumbai Port Authority has allotted space for NUSI Seamen’s Hostel on a 999-year contract. We hope that Mumbai Port will continue to support us for the same.

Capt Rakesh Singh (ICSSA), Mr Prabir Kumar Gangopadhyay (P&A) of Shipping Corporation of India, Capt. Manish Pradhan of MASSA, Capt. Jayakumar Nautical (Consultant) has also graced the occasion.

The beneficiaries of the various NUSI welfare initiatives, through the Trusts, like financial medical assistance, and educational scholarship grants also received financial assistance on the occasion.

A gallery depicting the trade union movement and the contribution of NUSI Founder Shri Mohamed Ebrahim Serang was also displayed. Enthusiastic seafarers and delegates also enjoyed the various entertainment programs which were followed by dinner.  9th May – NUSI Founders Day was also actively celebrated in all the NUSI Branch Offices Pan India.

Marex Media