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Writer's picturePrateek Khanna

A Tribute to Our Seniors, Alumni Faculties, and the Legacy of DMET: The Cradle of Marine Engineering Excellence

A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops! Happy Teachers Day Dmetians!

As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, we pay homage to all those who have contributed to our growth and learning. For those of us from DMET (Directorate of Marine Engineering Training), the journey to becoming marine engineers has been shaped not only by the professors in the classrooms but also by the seniors and alumni who returned to mentor and teach.


These individuals provided invaluable guidance throughout our academic and professional journeys, making DMET a unique and transformative institution in the world of marine engineering.


Some exceptional teachers of our college (DMET)

Standing (L to R) S.N.Banerjee, Sri Krishna Ganguly, J Paul Mazumder, M. Biswas, A.K. Sarkar, M Saha. Sitting (L to R): O.P. Mehta, D.C. Agnihotri, Subramaniam (Director), S.D Srivastava and D.K. Sanyal.


The Role of Alumni as Mentors: Shaping Future Marine Leaders

The involvement of alumni in the education process at DMET plays a critical role in maintaining the institution’s legacy of excellence. Alumni, who once walked the same corridors, attended the same classes, and faced the same challenges, are uniquely positioned to mentor the next generation of cadets. Their guidance is not just theoretical—it is rooted in real-world experiences, many of which can’t be captured in a textbook.

Real-World Knowledge and Practical Advice

Alumni mentors offer cadets a bridge between the academic world and the professional realities of marine engineering. Having spent years navigating the world’s oceans, operating complex ship systems, and managing crew members, alumni bring practical insights that go far beyond the theoretical lessons taught in class.


For instance, they can provide detailed advice on how to troubleshoot engine problems, handle emergency situations at sea, and manage the operational challenges that arise during voyages.

They also impart wisdom on how to adapt to life on board, including the psychological and emotional challenges that come with working in isolation for extended periods.


Alumni are familiar with the loneliness and mental stress that cadets might face during their early years at sea. Through their mentorship, they prepare cadets to be resilient and well-equipped to tackle these difficulties head-on.

Career Guidance and Networking Opportunities

Alumni mentors often play a crucial role in shaping the career paths of cadets. Whether it’s preparing them for interviews, offering guidance on which shipping companies or roles to pursue, or connecting them with the right people in the industry, alumni are invaluable resources for young cadets. Their own professional networks can open doors for cadets, providing internship opportunities, placements, and even long-term career prospects.

Moreover, alumni provide advice on how to develop the soft skills that are critical to succeeding in the maritime industry—leadership, communication, and teamwork. These skills, often overlooked in formal education, are key to career advancement in an industry that demands both technical proficiency and human management.


Continuity of Tradition and Legacy

One of the most important aspects of alumni mentorship is the continuity of tradition and legacy at DMET. Marine engineering is not just a technical profession; it is steeped in a long-standing culture of discipline, respect, and responsibility. Alumni mentors play a key role in passing down these values to cadets, ensuring that the next generation upholds the standards and ethics of the maritime profession.


By maintaining a connection with the institution, alumni ensure that DMET’s culture of excellence and mentorship continues to thrive. They become custodians of the institution’s legacy, helping to shape cadets not just into capable engineers, but into leaders who embody the spirit of DMET.

 

The Importance of Alumni Returning as Faculty: Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry

While alumni mentorship is essential, having young alumni return to DMET as faculty members serves a different but equally important purpose. Young alumni are uniquely positioned to blend academic rigor with industry relevance, ensuring that cadets receive an education that is not only grounded in theoretical knowledge but also aligned with the current demands of the maritime industry.

Keeping the Curriculum Relevant

The maritime industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, regulations, and best practices being introduced every year. From the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into shipping operations to the growing emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, the industry is undergoing rapid change.

Young alumni, having recently transitioned from cadet life to professional careers, are up to date with these developments. When they join as faculty members, they bring this fresh perspective into the classroom. This helps ensure that the curriculum at DMET stays relevant and prepares cadets for the challenges they will face once they step into the industry.

For example, alumni faculty can introduce cadets to the latest advancements in ship automation, teach them about new international maritime regulations, and prepare them for emerging roles in green shipping technologies. This combination of academic rigor and practical insight gives cadets a competitive edge in the job market.

Relatability and Accessible Guidance

Young alumni faculty members also have a unique ability to connect with cadets on a personal level. Having recently graduated, they understand the pressures and challenges that cadets face, both academically and personally. This makes them more approachable and relatable to students, fostering an environment where cadets feel comfortable seeking help and guidance.

Whether it’s helping students manage the academic load, offering tips on how to balance coursework with extracurricular activities, or providing advice on how to stay motivated during tough times, young alumni faculty are in a unique position to support students emotionally and mentally.

Building Stronger Alumni Networks

Alumni faculty members serve as a direct link between current cadets and the broader alumni network. By maintaining strong connections with industry leaders and former classmates, alumni faculty can help cadets tap into a network of professionals who are willing to offer guidance, internships, and job placements.


Arun Sir(DMET Alumni & IMU Faculty) with Vinay Gupta( DMET Alumni & Founder of UMMS)

Moreover, alumni faculty can facilitate guest lectures, workshops, and seminars featuring industry professionals, thereby exposing cadets to the latest trends and developments in the maritime world. These initiatives further strengthen the connection between DMET and the industry, ensuring that cadets are not only academically prepared but also industry-ready.

 

The Legacy of Seniors: The First Teachers at DMET

At DMET, the role of seniors in guiding juniors has been a long-standing tradition. For many of us, seniors were our first teachers, helping us navigate the demanding environment of DMET from day one. The senior-junior relationship at DMET is built on respect, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Peer Mentorship and Practical Guidance

Seniors played a crucial role in helping juniors adjust to the rigors of life at DMET. Whether it was explaining difficult concepts in marine engineering, offering tips on how to excel in workshops and practical exams, or simply showing us how to manage our time effectively, seniors were always there to guide us.


Their mentorship was not confined to academics alone. Seniors taught us how to handle the pressures of life at a maritime academy, how to stay disciplined, and how to cultivate the resilience needed to succeed in the maritime profession.

A Tradition of Tough Love

While the guidance of seniors was often supportive, it was also tough. The demands of the maritime industry are not easy, and seniors understood that we needed to be strong, both mentally and physically, to succeed. They challenged us, pushed us to our limits, and tested our endurance. This “tough love” prepared us for the realities of life on board, where challenges are constant, and the margin for error is small.

This tradition of seniors mentoring juniors ensured that every batch of cadets at DMET was well-prepared to face the challenges of their profession. It is a tradition that continues to this day, as seniors pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of cadets.

 

DMET: A Legacy of Excellence and Transformation


Since its founding in 1949, DMET has been a beacon of maritime education in India, producing generations of marine engineers who have gone on to lead the global shipping industry. The institution has undergone significant transformation over the years, from its humble beginnings with just 50 students to becoming a center of excellence with a yearly intake of over 280 cadets.

DMET’s curriculum, facilities, and faculty have continually evolved to meet the changing demands of the maritime industry. From the introduction of advanced simulators and state-of-the-art laboratories to the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies in the curriculum, DMET remains at the forefront of maritime education.

Today, as part of the Indian Maritime University (IMU), DMET continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, producing world-class marine engineers who are in high demand across the globe.

 

Honouring Our Mentors and the Importance of Alumni Involvement

On this Teachers' Day, we express our deep gratitude to the seniors, alumni faculty, and professors who have played a pivotal role in shaping our journeys at DMET. The involvement of alumni, both as mentors and faculty members, is crucial to maintaining the institution’s legacy of excellence.

Alumni mentors provide cadets with invaluable real-world knowledge, career guidance, and continuity of tradition, ensuring that the next generation of marine engineers is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Alumni faculty members, with their blend of academic rigor and industry relevance, ensure that the curriculum at DMET remains cutting-edge and aligned with industry demands.

Finally, the tradition of seniors mentoring juniors continues to be a cornerstone of the DMET experience, fostering a culture of discipline, resilience, and leadership that sets DMET graduates apart.

As we sail across the oceans of the world, we carry with us the lessons imparted by our seniors, alumni, and professors. Their teachings will forever guide us, ensuring that the legacy of DMET lives on for generations to come.

 
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