Strengthening Maritime Education: The Visionary Support of DMET Alumnus: Mr. G.V. Seetharam || Founder and Director of GUMATECH Marine Services

The strength and legacy of any great institution are reflected not only in its academic excellence but also in the commitment of its alumni. Among the many distinguished alumni of DMET-MERI Kolkata and currently the Indian Maritime University, Kolkata Campus, G. V. Seetharam, Sir, a proud alumnus of DMET (1977–81), stands out for his exceptional support and dedication to the growth of maritime education.

A Partnership that Began with Trust

This meaningful collaboration began with a call for support during the tenure of Jagmeet Makkar, Sir, who served as the IME(I) Chair at Indian Maritime University (2021–2023), under the leadership of the then Vice Chancellor Malini Shankar, Madam.

Responding positively to the request for strengthening practical training facilities, Mr. G. V. Seetharam, Sir, through Gumatech, extended significant support to the university by contributing equipment and machinery worth lakhs of rupees. These contributions first helped enhance the new workshop facilities at the university headquarters in Chennai, and later supported the Indian Maritime University Mumbai Port Campus with essential engineering equipment.

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Gumatech G.V. SEETHARAM (Seetha) It all started with my call for support to Seetha when I was the IME(I) Chair at the prestigious INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY, 2021-2023, under the leadership of our… | Jagmeet Makkar, FICS

Gumatech G.V. SEETHARAM (Seetha) It all started with my call for support to Seetha when I was the IME(I) Chair at the prestigious INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY, 2021-2023, under the leadership of our Vice Chancellor Malini Shankar. Seetha, you did not disappoint us! You supported our new workshop at the IMU HQ Chennai Indian Maritime University, Chennai and then provided equipments & machinery to our Mumbai Port Campus worth lakhs of rupees. And now we value your commitment to do the same for Indian Maritime University, Kolkata (our Prestigious DMET)! While receiving funds, equipment and machinery from Alumni like you, G.V. SEETHARAM, is essential for our students, we must say that you have gone a step beyond that! Encouraging our students/engineering cadets and faculty to spend several days in your workshop, gaining hands on practical feel and knowledge, working with your experienced engineers/fitters/mechanics at Bhav Nagar is indeed commendable. Step forward: As discussed between us Gaurav Agarwal will closely liaise with you to make this a sustainable and ongoing effort with other Alumni/ Associations financially contributing towards logistics and your increasing the intake number and training period to 10days will go a long way. Thank you Seetha, you are a great batchmate and a shining star of DMET 1977-81 to have. And, here is to all our Alumni: Following the immense support by Sir Ravi Mehrotra for the establishment of the "Centre of Excellence" at DMET and what Seetha is doing, we humbly request all our ex-cadets to come forward to support your Alma mater. "Alumni serve as the most credible ambassadors for their alma mater, enhancing its reputation and validating the quality of its education through their professional achievements. Their continued support, through mentorship, networking, and financial contributions, directly sustains the institute's growth and enriches the experience for future generations of students". Another important area where you can help is to help us achieve 100% placement even before our young leaders graduate. Soumitra Neogi is your point of contact. Uday Purohit Kaushik Seal Amit Bose Arun Easwar Kishore Rajoo Balaji Dr. (Capt.)Mihir C. Soumitra Neogi Suresh Kamath Vipin Sachdeva Vinay Gupta Anglo-Eastern Wallem Group Pacific Basin Shipping Limited The Caravel Group Fleet Management Limited Synergy Marine Group UMMS, Union Marine Management Services Pte. Ltd Brijesh Malhotra https://lnkd.in/gRR-bKm2

Continuing this commitment towards strengthening maritime training, Mr. G. V. Seetharam, Sir is now sending engineering equipment worth approximately ₹60 lakhs to the Indian Maritime University, Kolkata Campus (erstwhile DMET). This generous contribution will significantly enhance the workshop and practical training infrastructure available to marine engineering cadets.

Today, this initiative reflects a strong sense of responsibility towards the alma mater and aims to strengthen the practical learning environment for future marine engineers.

Going Beyond Financial Contributions

While financial support and infrastructure development are invaluable, what truly sets this contribution apart is the commitment to practical training. Mr. G.V. Seetharam, Sir, has opened the doors of his workshop in Bhavnagar, offering engineering cadets and faculty members the opportunity to spend several days gaining hands-on experience.

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it is KOLKOTA DMET | G.V. SEETHARAM

it is KOLKOTA DMET

Working alongside experienced engineers, fitters, and mechanics, cadets are able to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world engineering practice. Such exposure is essential in shaping competent and confident marine engineers ready to serve the global maritime industry.

Building a Sustainable Initiative

Looking ahead, this initiative aims to evolve into a sustainable and ongoing training program. As discussed, Gaurav Agarwal, Sir, will closely liaise with Mr. G.V. Seetharam, Sir to further develop this effort.

With support from other alumni and associations contributing financially towards logistics, and with plans to increase the training intake and extend the training duration to 10 days, this initiative has the potential to become a long-term platform for practical maritime engineering exposure.

A Shining Star of DMET

The contributions of Mr. G.V. Seetharam, Sir truly reflect the spirit of the DMET fraternity, where alumni remain deeply connected to their alma mater and actively contribute to the development of future generations.

His support also resonates with the inspiring initiatives of Ravi Mehrotra, Sir, whose leadership and generosity have played a key role in establishing the Centre of Excellence at DMET.

A Call to the Alumni Community

Alumni serve as the most credible ambassadors of their institutions. Their professional achievements enhance the reputation of their alma mater, while their continued support—through mentorship, networking, and financial contributions directly strengthens the institution and enriches the experience of future cadets.

Another important area where alumni can contribute is by helping the institution achieve 100% placement for cadets even before graduation, ensuring that young maritime leaders begin their careers with confidence.

A Note of Gratitude

To Mr. G.V. Seetharam, Sir, a distinguished alumnus of DMET 1977–81, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. His generosity, vision, and continued support embody the true spirit of giving back to one’s alma mater.

His contributions will continue to inspire generations of cadets and strengthen the legacy of DMET - MERI - IMU for years to come. ⚓