DMET: Where Engineering Meets Expression – A Journey Through Music and Creativity
- DMET Cadets
- Jul 24
- 4 min read

“Life without playing music is inconceivable for me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”
– Albert Einstein
What is DMET Really?
DMET, Directorate of Marine Engineering and Training (now IMU – Kolkata Campus) is not just a college. It’s a name full of emotions, memories, and pride for thousands of marine officers across the world. Yes, it gives top-class training, strict discipline, and technical skills. But there’s something more.
A cadet spends four years at DMET. During this time, he becomes not only a good marine engineer but also someone who learns teamwork, confidence, communication, and leadership. And how does this happen?
The secret lies in something many people don’t expect – music.
Why Music in a Marine Engineering College?

People may ask – why should marine engineering cadets care about music? Isn’t it better to focus on engines, workshops, and exams?
But here’s the truth: Life at sea is not just about hard work. It also needs emotional strength, mental peace, and strong human connections. Music helps in all of this.
Music helps reduce stress.
Music brings joy, even after a long, tiring day.
It helps you become confident on stage and speak better.
You learn to work with others, just like teamwork on a ship.
Many cadets feel lonely or scared in the beginning. Music gives them strength and helps them open up, talk to others, and make good friends.
How It All Started – The Role of Marino Fest & Enigma

Back in 1973, a batch of cadets started a cultural fest called “Marino Fest.” It gave students a stage to show their talents—singing, playing instruments, acting, and more.
Over the years, Marino Fest became much bigger and got a new name – Tempest. Today, Tempest is the biggest maritime cultural festival in South East Asia.
Another important event is Lit-O-Sphere, where first-year cadets perform on stage for the first time. These events are organized by DMET’s cultural club called ENIGMA, founded by officers Aviral Manihal (8829) and Gyanendra Pratap Singh (8853).
I’ve personally seen how music events like these change people. A shy cadet who never spoke to anyone is now the most confident speaker and performer in our batch. Why? Because music gave him the chance to grow.
Musical Talent Beyond College

Some DMET cadets even chose music as a career path:
Anirudh Mamgaine Sir, currently at IIT Bombay, is a part-time rapper doing really well.
Shubhadeep Das Choudhary Sir has performed on Indian Idol Season 14 and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs. He is now training students in Surangan Music Academy.
These names show us that a tech background doesn’t mean the end of creativity. It can actually make your art even stronger.
The Bigger Picture: Why Music Matters

In Japan, big companies encourage engineers to learn music. Why? Because:
Music teaches discipline
It brings creativity
It trains the mind to plan and imagine
It makes work more balanced and beautiful
In marine life, you need all these skills – whether you’re fixing an engine or leading a crew.
The Reality: Auditorium Needs Urgent Attention and Why This Matters?
While the DMET auditorium has been the heart of most musical practices and campus events, its current condition presents several challenges that hinder our creative growth. Here are some of the key problems:
Many seats are broken or uncomfortable, making it difficult for students and guests to enjoy performances.
The available audio equipment is not only outdated but also frequently malfunctions. For the number of students participating in events, our current sound system is simply not enough.
The backstage green rooms are messy and lack proper maintenance.
The institute’s collection of instruments is limited and, in many cases, broken or unusable.

With every cultural fest and talent night, more students are eager to participate, but our existing facilities cannot support the growing interest. Here’s how fixing these issues will help:
Better equipment means more students can practice and perform confidently.
A reliable sound system ensures everyone’s efforts are truly heard.
Upgraded seating allows everyone—from cadets to guests—to enjoy the show in comfort.
Clean, organized green rooms help performers prepare and feel their best.
Our Call to Action
Alumni support has always played a crucial role in shaping DMET’s legacy. By coming together to upgrade our musical infrastructure, you can help create space for more cadets to grow, learn teamwork, and build lifelong confidence.
We humbly request your contribution financial, material, or advisory to:
Repair and upgrade auditorium seating
Install a robust, high-quality sound system
Refurbish green rooms for a professional backstage experience
Invest in more, and better-maintained, instruments and audio gear
Final Thoughts: Let the Music Play On

Music inside DMET is not just fun. It builds better cadets smarter, happier, friendlier, and stronger in every way. Music events should be supported more by the administration, alumni, and students.
Your involvement will directly impact hundreds of future officers ensuring that music continues to lift spirits and foster creativity at DMET. Let us work together to restore and enhance this essential part of our campus.
Thank you for keeping the DMET melody alive with your support and care.
Let’s keep this rhythm alive. Let’s keep training officers who don’t just understand machines – but also understand the music of life. 🎶
#DMET #MarineEngineering #MusicAndEngineering #MaritimeLife #Tempest #IMUKolkata #CadetLife #EnigmaDMET #tOSphere #MusicHeals
Author
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Cadet Vasudev Bajaj Roll No. 10080 |
Cadet Vasudev Bajaj is a dedicated and multi-talented individual from DMET Kolkata, known for his passion in both cultural and technical domains. A proud winner of Lit-O-Sphere 2023 and 2024, and an active member of ENIGMA, Vasudev has showcased exceptional talent on stage. Alongside his cultural achievements, he holds a strong interest in technical events and proved his versatility by winning the "Sell It" competition at Tempest 2025. His well-rounded enthusiasm makes him a true example of what it means to be a modern DMET cadet—skilled, expressive, and driven. |