Republic Day Celebrations at IMU Kolkata DMET MERI: A Day of Patriotism, Talent, and Team Spirit

Republic Day is a day of pride, unity, and celebration across India, and this year, IMU Kolkata, DMET MERI marked the occasion with grandeur and enthusiasm. The day brought together cadets, alumni, and faculty members to honor our nation, celebrate achievements, and foster camaraderie among the maritime community.

Flag Hoisting and National Anthem: A Patriotic Start

The celebrations began on a solemn and inspiring note with the flag hoisting ceremony by our esteemed Associate Professor Arun Kishore Eswara Sir. The campus resonated with patriotism as the cadets, alumni, and faculty stood in unison to sing the national anthem, reinforcing the spirit of unity and pride that Republic Day symbolizes.

Recognizing Excellence: IMO Mock 2025 Awards

Following the patriotic start, the spotlight shifted to the IMO Mock 2025 prize distribution ceremony, recognizing cadets for their exceptional research and innovative solutions to contemporary maritime challenges.

• MSC Category: Team MSC-B4 (Pranav Amit Prasad and Mohd Emaad Khan, 2023 Entry) won for their work on Revision of Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management and Next Steps to Enhance Maritime Cybersecurity. Their research highlighted the critical importance of digital safety in modern shipping. Team MSC-B3 (Shubham Sumit and Prashant Kumar, 2024 Entry) were recognized as finalists for their impressive contribution in the same category.

• MEPC Category: Team MEPC-D3 (Isham Ahmed, Aman Somra, and Mohammad Kaif, 2023 Entry) emerged victorious for their innovative solutions on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, emphasizing economic strategies integrated with Industry 4.0 technologies.

• SDC Category: Team SDC-D2 (Divya and Navneet Krishna, 2024 Entry) won for their Guidelines on the Use of FRP in Ship Structures, demonstrating technical innovation and material efficiency in modern shipbuilding.

• HTW Category: Team HTW-F2 (Kanika C and Krish Chhandwal, 2024 Entry) were awarded first runner-up for their focus on mental health and wellbeing education for cadets and future seafarers, addressing an increasingly important aspect of maritime training.

The award ceremony was followed by a short, motivating speech from Associate Professor Arun Kishore Eswara Sir, who emphasized the significance of Republic Day as a reminder of discipline, integrity, and service to the nation. Retiring administrative staff also shared a few heartfelt words, acknowledging their journey and contributions to the academy.

Celebration Continues: Refreshments and Friendly Cricket Matches

After the award ceremony, participants enjoyed refreshments and breakfast, providing a perfect opportunity to socialize and share experiences. This was followed by friendly cricket matches, where cadets and alumni competed in a spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork. The matches were lively, filled with enthusiasm, and culminated with the cadets’ team emerging victorious against the alumni—a proud moment that reflected their dedication, skill, and teamwork.

Community and Camaraderie: Lunch and Tea

The celebrations continued with lunch at the campus cafeteria, where cadets and alumni bonded over shared memories, stories, and laughter. The day concluded with tea, leaving everyone with lasting memories of a celebration that blended patriotism, achievement, and togetherness.

A Day to Remember: Patriotism Meets Excellence

This Republic Day at IMU Kolkata, DMET MERI was more than just a celebration of India’s democratic ideals—it was a testament to the spirit of innovation, teamwork, and leadership nurtured at the academy. From IMO Mock winners showcasing cutting-edge maritime research to cadets proving their mettle on the cricket field, the event highlighted the values of discipline, knowledge, and unity that define the institution.

As the cadets and alumni dispersed, they carried with them the pride of the day and the reminder that while we honor our nation’s past, we are equally committed to shaping the future of the maritime sector.

Jai Hind!