Dmetian RK Mehrotra: Setting an Example of Giving Back to Alma Mater
- Prateek Khanna
- Aug 7, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 7, 2024
The Indian Maritime University (IMU) has recently signed a monumental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RK Mehrotra Holding Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Foresight Group founded by Dmetian Dr. Ravi K. Mehrotra CBE (Roll Number 693, Class of 1960-1964) , our distinguished alum of the of DMET.
This agreement marks the establishment of the Dr. Ravi L. Mehrotra Centre of Excellence in Maritime at DMET Kolkata Campus, supported by an endowment of USD 1.5 million for research and USD 0.72 million for infrastructure development. Dr. Mehrotra's generous contribution is indeed a proud moment for DMET.
As I write this blog, I am overwhelmed with emotions. Being a Dmetian is not just an identity; it is an emotion. While the name of our esteemed institution has changed over the years from DMET to MERI to IMU, the spirit remains unaltered. Those who graduate from DMET, continue to proudly call themselves Dmetians, a title we hold dear for life.
Everyone strives to earn and yearn for success, but few exhibit the spirit of giving back to their community as profoundly as Dr. Ravi K Mehrotra. This is what sets him apart, and I hope this blog inspires more alumni to make similar contributions to our alma mater, elevating it to world-class standards.
Dr. Mehrotra recently (He also visited the DMET Kolkata campus in 2023) signed a formal agreement, an occasion filled with emotion and significance. He became very emotional during the signing, reminiscing about his DMET Calcutta days. His announcement promises to elevate maritime education.
He stated, "If DMET Kolkata is protected, Indian maritime education is protected."
This powerful message should resonate with all alumni, reminding us of our duty to support and uplift our institution and its cadets.
The stories of Dr. Mehrotra’s generosity are numerous and heartwarming. On behalf of all Dmetians, I express our profound gratitude for his remarkable gesture. To further honour his contributions, We are opening a link where the community can send messages of appreciation, which we will present to Dr. Mehrotra.
Life is fleeting, and giving back should not be an option but a duty. Dr. Mehrotra’s kind-heartedness will be remembered for generations. I hope to emulate his generosity one day.
About Dr. Ravi K Mehrotra (From the Foresight Group Website)
“The sky's the limit when your heart is in it, and it is the fire in your belly that defines your progress and achievement.” – Dr. Ravi K Mehrotra, CBE, Founder & Executive Chairman
The Beginning
Dr. Mehrotra began his career as a marine engineer with the Shipping Corporation of India. Through hard work and dedication, he rose to the rank of Chief Engineer and later became the Managing Director for the company’s international joint ventures. These experiences paved the way for him to establish his own shipping company, the Foresight Group, in 1984.
"It was through these experiences that he earned the international connections that enabled him to realise his ambitions of establishing his own shipping company, the Foresight Group."
Creating A Legacy
After leading the Group for over two decades, he transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman, entrusting professional management to the CEO. He also serves as the Chairman of the European India Chamber of Commerce (EICC) and has held honorary positions, including Director of the Commonwealth Business Council and board member of Lloyd’s Register.
Dr. Mehrotra is a key figure in the City of London and a noted speaker on shipping and business at international conferences.
"Reputation is all that matters because money and size anyone can create."
Awards & Achievements
In 2014, he was awarded an Honorary Industrial Doctorate from the Aries International Maritime Research Institute in Dubai, UAE.
IMU has signed an MoU with RK Mehrotra Holding Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Foresight Group, founded by Dr. Ravi K Mehrotra of the 1960 batch. The MoU facilitates the establishment of the Dr. Ravi L Mehrotra Centre of Excellence in Maritime at IMU's Kolkata Campus, with an endowment of USD 1.5 million for research activities and USD 0.72 million for building and infrastructure. This generous support from Dr. Mehrotra is a proud moment for IMU.
"This is a proud moment for IMU to witness the generous support from its alumnus."
Let us all be inspired by Dr. Mehrotra’s example and strive to give back to our alma mater, ensuring it remains a beacon of excellence for future generations.
DMECA
I would also like to mention the stellar work DMECA has been doing over the last 25 years to give back to our alma mater. They continue to support our institution year after year. I urge everyone to take DMECA lifetime membership and join us in this journey of giving back to our alma mater.
An Untold Story: Dmet Samvaad Team’s Contribution
Three years ago, a cadet named Harsh Sinha, a founding member of the Dmet Samvaad, wrote to Dr. Ravi K. Mehrotra and invited him for a Samvaad session to interact with the cadets and the session was huge success.
The Samvaad team has worked tirelessly over the past few years to uplift the brand of DMET and maintain strong interactions between cadets and alumni. Dr. Mehrotra accepted the invitation and conducted the session, which eventually led to his campus visit in February 2023, where he spent three days. I believe this visit played a significant role in the recent developments.
However, the hard work of the IMU team must also be acknowledged, as they have continually inspired our cadets to excel. Under the visionary leadership of the current Vice-Chancellor, Mrs. Malini Shankar, I foresee a brighter future for DMET Kolkata.
Attached below is the Samvaad post from three years ago. These young cadets, though now graduates, continue to dedicate significant time to the college, ensuring that the DMET flag always flies high. They deserve recognition from time to time. As for me, I will always support the Samvaad team in my limited capacity, offering guidance and also learning from them.
Dr. Mehrotra Campus Visit On Tempest: The Alumni Night We All Cherish
I am filled with emotions as I conclude this blog. I know our lives are limited, and we are busy fighting our own battles, but it would be great if we can take some time out to give back to our alma mater in whatever capacity we can. It can be your time, your money, your wisdom, or anything else that helps keep the DMET flag flying high.
However, I feel it is important for all Dmetians to read and understand why we must unite for the greater cause of the maritime community. And we, at Dmet Club would cover more as we get more information.
I guess I am at a loss for words now, and there is a line humming in my mind that might seem unrelated to this blog, but would end the blog on this note.
चलें-चलें, तो क्या चलें हम? उड़ें अगर तो बात है
जिएँ-जिएँ, तो क्या जिएँ हम? लड़ें अगर तो बात है
