From Technical Roots to Leadership Routes: The Journey of DMETian Vinay Gupta

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This blog is special to me. It was recorded in April during my one-month-long visit to Singapore, where the DMETians of Singapore opened up their homes, hearts, and stories to me.

What I experienced there was more than just alumni camaraderie — it was brotherhood in its purest form. Among the many stories I had the privilege to document, one stood out for its resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community: the journey of Vinay Gupta. While addressing him as Vinay Sir would be the right and respectful way, The DMETian, I am using Vinay throughout this blog to maintain a formal narrative style, as suggested by some of my seniors. My heartfelt apologies to Vinay Sir for this choice of presentation.

The Podcast

What you’ll read below is a detailed rewrite of that conversation — a story that captures how one DMETian carried the legacy of P-19 across oceans, into boardrooms, and into the lives of fellow alumni worldwide.

Early Life and Family Roots

Vinay’s story begins in Dehradun, where his father had moved in 1952 for studies and later made it his permanent home. His father, a Muki Engineering College graduate, balanced government service with entrepreneurial pursuits. Vinay studied at Cameron Hall, attempted the IIT entrance in 1982–83, and like many of us, stumbled into destiny by chance.

Though he had cleared the TS Rajendra exam, his family felt uncertain about the seafaring profession if medical disqualification ever arose. A friend, however, filled out the DMET form for him, and in December 1983, Vinay entered the hallowed corridors of DMET Kolkata. That decision would alter his life’s course forever.

First Impressions of DMET Life

His first memory is vivid: arriving at Howrah Station with three other boys from Dehradun, lugging a black trunk with his roll number painted on it, and boarding the iconic DAT bus to P-19.

The very first evening, seniors initiated him with a full round of ragging — push-ups, smoke-filled rooms, and drills that others faced over months, he experienced in a single night. “After that, nothing seemed difficult,” Vinay recalls with a grin.

Harsh though it was, this culture bred resilience and lifelong friendships. From nightly bed checks to mischievous pranks, these trials forged bonds stronger than iron.

The Brotherhood of DMET

Vinay summed up the essence of DMET brotherhood beautifully:

“In DMET, besides studies, everything else is there. You spend four years together every morning and evening. That bond is stronger than even with your parents, spouse, or kids.”

For him, friendships with Mano, Raman, Naveen, and others became a lifelong anchor, proving that DMET ties go far beyond classrooms and careers.

Student Struggles and Triumphs

Academically, Vinay was strong in mathematics but not inclined towards rote learning. He even failed Boilers in the first year — not due to lack of knowledge but because his handwriting was illegible to the examiner.

His batch was set to graduate in 1987, but a mess strike delayed exams. When told by the Director to “eat sattu and chana and give exams,” many cadets protested. Eventually, the industry’s urgent need recalled them in March 1987, ensuring their timely graduation.

First Ship Experiences

Vinay joined India Steamship as a Fifth Engineer, where a senior gave him timeless advice:

“If you trace the line properly on your first ship, you’ll never have to trace pipelines again.”

Life at sea was grueling: 18–19 hour shifts in 47–48°C heat, ships packed with 74 crew, and nights spent sleeping on deck in storms. Navigation was rudimentary — often ships radioed others for directions to port. Compared to today’s technology-driven ships, this was survival with grit.

Love and Marriage at P-19

Like many DMETians, Vinay also found love at P-19. Meeting his wife during a college fest, their bond blossomed into marriage after three years of courtship. Together, they sailed the seas for 16 years (1988–2004), balancing professional challenges with companionship and shared dreams.

Lessons from Life at Sea

Vinay reflects that life at sea was simpler back then:

• Limited communication meant fewer distractions.

• Salaries were 4–5 times higher than shore jobs, helping sailors build wealth.

• Real engineering dominated, unlike today where paperwork often overshadows practical work.

His advice to juniors remains timeless:

“Give your maximum input in your Fifth Engineer days. Learn everything you can, because those lessons will stay with you for life.”

Transition to Shore and Singapore

In 2005, Vinay moved to Singapore. His first shore role in a Japanese company gave him a taste of true work-life balance — “9-to-5, no emails after office hours.”

Later, he worked with Rickmers, Zebon, BSM, and eventually helmed Memphis Group, managing ship spares and services for BS vessels and giants like MSC. He notes the sharp difference between ownership companies (with defined boundaries) and third-party management (a relentless 24/7 demand).

Building DMET Alumni Singapore

Vinay’s true legacy lies beyond his professional career. In 2005, he co-founded the DMET Alumni Singapore Association with other DMETians, which grew from a casual group of 30 to a registered body of 350+ members.

Signature activities include:

• Annual Dinner & Dance

• Family Day

• Golf Tournaments

• Movie Nights

• Monthly Walks

• Friday Dinner Club (50% subsidized by the association)

Every dollar raised is reinvested into alumni welfare — a model admired worldwide.

The Emergency WhatsApp Group

Perhaps Vinay’s most impactful initiative was founding the DMET Emergency WhatsApp Group, born after seeing a fellow seafarer conned in Singapore. Strictly limited to emergencies, it ensures genuine distress calls are never buried under casual greetings.

Today, it’s a lifeline for DMETians globally — helping with jobs, medical crises, and urgent assistance, embodying the true spirit of brotherhood.

Seniors, Juniors, and the Road Ahead

Vinay encourages juniors never to hesitate to reach out:

“Age is just a number. Real networking must be two-way — juniors helping seniors as well.”

He also emphasises the importance of competence and attitude in today’s competitive, cost-driven global market.

A Vision for the Future

For Vinay, preserving roll numbers is vital to keeping DMET’s identity intact despite its new IMU banner.

His dream? A global DMET reunion every year — whether in Hong Kong, Singapore, or India. With the numbers, the spirit, and the resources, he believes this vision is entirely possible.

Closing Reflections

From his humble beginnings in Dehradun to leadership roles in Singapore, Vinay Gupta embodies the DMET ethos — resilience, camaraderie, and leadership.

As I, Prateek Khanna, reflect on my Singapore journey and the warmth with which the DMET family welcomed me, I realiae that stories like Vinay’s are not just personal milestones. They are shared legacies, reminding us that our greatest strength lies in community.

MarineX Radio proudly celebrates Vinay’s story — a testament to how DMETians keep the flag flying high, no matter where life takes them.