A Historic First for DMET Samvaad
The 38th session of DMET-संवाद marked a groundbreaking moment as it hosted its first-ever offline event on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, at the MERI Auditorium, Kolkata. The event brought together distinguished alumni, faculty, and cadets for an insightful discussion on India’s maritime legacy and the revolutionary Stitched Ship Project, led by keynote speaker Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal.
With a focus on ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, the session aimed to shed light on traditional maritime practices and their relevance in modern shipbuilding and sustainability. The event served as a bridge between past and present, bringing to the forefront the knowledge that once made India a global leader in maritime trade.
Distinguished Guests and Grand Opening Ceremony
The event was formally inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, attended by key dignitaries, including:
Dr. Malini V. Sankar (Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University)
Rear Admiral Amit Bose (Campus Director, IMU Kolkata, formerly DMET-MERI)
Cmde. Ashok Bhal (Retd.), Former Campus Director, IMU Kolkata
The hosts for the evening, Mr. Ashutosh Kashyap and Mr. Harsh Sinha, set the stage for an evening of discussions, insights, and historical exploration. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Sachin Saurav, who played a pivotal role in orchestrating the session.
The Stitched Ship Project: Rediscovering an Ancient Tradition
A Visionary Initiative to Revive India’s Maritime Past
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal, a noted economist, urban planner, and historian, who presented the Stitched Ship Project—an ambitious initiative aimed at reviving the traditional shipbuilding methods of ancient India.
Commissioned through a tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Architecture, and Goa-based Hodi Innovations, the project seeks to reconstruct ancient Indian sailing vessels using traditional techniques that once made India a dominant maritime power.
Why Were Ancient Indian Ships Stitched Instead of Nailed?
One of the most fascinating revelations of the session was the question:
“Why did our seafaring ancestors stitch their ships together instead of using metal nails?”
Mr. Sanyal explained that the early Indian ships were stitched together using coconut fiber and wooden pegs rather than iron nails. This technique had several advantages:
Flexibility & Durability: The stitched joints allowed ships to bend and flex with ocean waves, reducing stress fractures.
Resistance to Corrosion: Unlike iron nails, stitched ships did not rust, making them ideal for long voyages.
Eco-Friendly Construction: Made primarily from natural materials, stitched ships were more sustainable than metal-fastened vessels.
The Project’s Progress and Future Prospects
Mr. Sanyal’s presentation incorporated videos, blueprints, construction methodologies, and graphical insights to illustrate the ongoing efforts in reviving this lost tradition. He emphasized that the Stitched Ship Project is not merely an academic exercise, but a practical attempt to integrate ancient knowledge into modern shipbuilding.
Through this initiative, India aims to inspire a new generation of marine engineers and industry leaders to appreciate the depth of its maritime legacy.
A Deep Dive into India’s Maritime History
The session also explored the historical evidence of India’s maritime prowess, drawing from literary references, sculptures, and ancient scripts.
Some of the key insights included:
Indian Seafarers in Ancient Trade Routes: India had extensive maritime connections with Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East as early as 2000 BCE.
Sanskrit Texts & Maritime Wisdom: Ancient Indian scriptures, including the Arthashastra, discuss shipbuilding techniques and oceanic trade routes.
Harappan Maritime Evidence: Archaeological discoveries at Lothal, one of the world’s oldest dockyards, showcase India’s early maritime infrastructure.
Session Video
Cadets and Experts Engage in Thought-Provoking Discussions
The session also featured an interactive Q&A segment, where cadets engaged directly with Mr. Sanyal and other distinguished guests. Some of the key contributors included:
Cadet Captain Deepanjan Chatterjee (Batch of 2022-26)
Cadet Captain Sreya V. Pillai (Batch of 2022-26)
Additionally, Prof. Eswara Arun Kishore (IMU Kolkata) highlighted the need to revive not just stitched shipbuilding but also other dying maritime traditions, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation.
Recognizing Contributions and Encouraging Creativity
The event also recognized individuals who have played a key role in DMET Samvaad’s success:
Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal for his contribution to Indian maritime heritage.
Dr. Malini V. Sankar for her leadership in maritime education.
Cmde. Ashok Bhal (Retd.) for his unwavering support to DMET alumni initiatives.
To celebrate creativity, winners of the “Shades of DMET” photography competition were honored for their outstanding captures of life at IMU Kolkata.
A Grand Finale
The session concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Mr. Sachin Saurav, acknowledging all contributors and attendees. The Indian National Anthem was sung with pride, bringing the formal proceedings to a close. The evening ended on a high note with a group photograph session and high tea, allowing guests to network and discuss further collaborations.
About DMET Samvaad
Founded by Harsh Sinha and Sachin Kumar Mahto, DMET-संवाद is an interactive platform designed to bridge the gap between DMET alumni and current cadets. Under the advisory of Sachin Saurav and guidance of Eswara Arun Kishore, Samvaad has grown into a highly respected initiative that fosters industry connections, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.
By hosting maritime and non-maritime experts, DMET Samvaad has facilitated meaningful discussions on pressing industry challenges, innovation, and policy-making. With each session, it continues to strengthen the legacy of DMET and its contribution to global maritime excellence.
The 38th session of DMET Samvaad was a testament to this mission—a resounding success that not only honored India’s past but also charted a course for its future in maritime engineering.