Industry Welcomes New Director General

Padmesh Prabhune

Photos take from Jaggu

Industry bodies Maritime Association of Shipowners Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA) and Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA) jointly arranged a dinner to welcome Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, the newly appointed Director General of Shipping, MoPSW, who has recently taken over charge from Mr Rajiv Jalota, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority.

Mr Jagannathan, a 1997 batch IAS officer from Assam-Meghalaya cadre was last posted as Development Commissioner of the Santacruz Exclusive Export Processing Zone, Special Economic Zone, Mumbai.

The event, though informal, was attended in large numbers by the who’s who of the industry, making that bit more special with the presence of two Ex DG’s, namely Mr Deepak Shetty and Mr Jalota, both making their presence felt to celebrate the new innings of Mr Jagannathan.

Capt Rajesh Tandon, CEO, FOSMA, and Capt Shiv Halbe, CEO, MASSA, led the evening ceremonies held at the Taj Santacruz in Mumbai on 13^th July. Capt Sankalp Shukla, Chairman, FOSMA, and thereafter Capt Girish Phadnis, Chairman, MASSA, welcomed the dignitaries, introducing Mr Jagannathan and his impressive background and achievements to the audience.

Mr Jagannathan who has served over 25 years as administrator in Government Services, addressed the gathering, acknowledging the warmth and respect bestowed upon him, assuring all of further cooperation and collaboration for the betterment of the Indian maritime sector.

Capt Shukla thanked Mr Jalota for all his support during his rather short stint as fill-in DG, mentioning his special support for seafarers’ shore leave issues.

Mr Jalota also reciprocated acknowledging the deep respect received from the industry, assuring continued support to everyone including the new DGS if such a need ever arose.

During the session, FOSMA & MASSA also launched a special initiative with a QR code facility for new students/ cadets, to avoid the fraudulent job-offer letters that are circulated to the novices, only to be duped later. The QR code helps verify the authenticity of the offer letter received by the aspiring seafarer.

Capt Halbe concluded with a vote of thanks, noting the presence of the many industry stalwarts. He mentioned that Mr Jagannathan’s word to take the industry forward has been most reassuring and the industry is all set to grow under his eminent leadership.

Marex Media