It was fascinating to hear the officials and staff of the Directorate General of Shipping acknowledge in unison their most respected boss, Mr Amitabh Kumar, IRS, Director General of Shipping, as a Never Say Die person.

28th February marked a bitter sweet day for them as they held a get-together at their office in Kanjurmarg, Mumbai, to bid adieu to Mr Kumar upon his pre-retirement repatriation to his parent cadre, IRS.

Each of them shared their valuable and enriching experiences they had had with Mr Kumar who had given them the freedom to explore their abilities towards the responsibilities assigned to them.

Exceptional Mentor

These seven plus years have been amazing working with you. You have always led us from the front. You have been a hard task master ensuring that always the job gets done. I have learnt a lot from you and wished we had more time under your leadership. Your work on establishing Covid SOPs made India the first nation in the world to exhibit great humanity, and sanity, in dealing with the pandemic, which was applauded even by the IMO. I will miss my exceptional Mentor, who has never said no for any job that could be done. I wish you a very healthy and wealthy life. – Mr Kumar Sanjay Bariar, Additional Director General of Shipping.Reason and Vision

Sir, with your reason and vision, as an administrative regulatory body, we were able to achieve many changes in the shipping sector through your innovative thinking of using technology to the best. Over these years you have managed to inculcate your values in us. We ensure that we will complete all the tasks begun during your tenure. – Mr Ash Mohammed, Deputy Director General of Shipping.

Quick to Reply

Working under you always gave us a sense of pride and responsibility as you have treated us so well. Every work assigned us has consequently been done with utmost commitment. Whenever faced with a difficult situation, our queries were answered very promptly. – Dr Raut Pandurang Kondiram, Deputy Director General of Shipping

Always Approachable 

It’s a very emotional moment, I can’t express it in words. I appreciate the opportunities and support you have given that have proved instrumental in my growth. I admire your nature of always being approachable to discuss a situation or an idea. Thank you – Mr Deependra Singh Bisen, Assistant Director General of Shipping

Digital India

In line with the PM’s vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, you took DGS to the next level by introducing online registration of ships, digital certification, insurance, and e-learning, to name just a few. We are so very proud of you. – Capt RK Muduli, Deputy Nautical Advisor-cum-Senior DDG (Tech)

Intrinsic Calmness

I am overwhelmed with the love and affection you all have bestowed on my dear husband, Mr. Kumar. Since he and I are batchmates I have learnt so much from him. He has an intrinsic calmness that enables him to stay focussed, and to execute with clarity even the toughest tasks. I admire his ability to never say no to anyone, which is quite amazing. I am so grateful to all of you. – Ms Lekha Kumar IRS, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax and wife of Mr Kumar.

To be the Number-1 Administrative Body in the World

When I took up this post I had no idea about shipping and its jargon. For a newcomer the job can be quite intimidating. But with constant interactions and feedback from the industry, I was able to understand the difficulties the shipping sector was facing and how things could be improved. One of the major issues was training, where I introduced eLearning from my experience as a Management Student at the Southern Cross University in Australia.

I appreciate your kind words and love you all have showered on me. All that we have achieved during my tenure is not done on my own; it is the hard work done by my team, and I have fully enjoyed working with you all.

You have to find solutions to problems and I request you to continue this practise. There is so much more to do. I wish I had the time to accomplish more. We have the talent to make this administrative regulatory body the number one in the world.

You all are my extended family. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours. Thank you for a wonderful innings here. – Mr Amitabh Kumar

Mr Kumar was felicitated with the traditional shawl, a bouquet, and a ship replica as a memento.

Marex Media