AMET UNIVERSITY INAUGURATED BY IMO SECRETARY GENERAL

It was a memorable event at AMET University on 7th February 2008, the day on which Mr. Efthimious E. Mitropoulous, IMO Secretary General had dedicated this first University of its kind to the global shipping industry. The function began with the impressive Guard of Honor accorded to The Secretary General, and the smart turn out at the March-Past, which followed the ceremonial handing over of the AMET University flag, by the Secretary General to Mr. Ramachandran, The Chancellor of the University.

Mr. Ramachandran, in his welcome address said it was a dream come true for AMET university to be inaugurated by none other but the Secretary General of IMO himself. Capt. S. Bhardwaj, the Vice Chancellor, outlined the road map of the University and reiterated the ample conclusive demonstration of robust fundamentals underlying the recent AMET growth. Capt. J. C. Anand, Chairman Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), presented a Silver plaque to AMET and offered IRS assistance in areas of research. The Secretary General inaugurated the University with much fanfare by unveiling the stone to the ceremonious tunes played by the AMET band.

The Joint DG Shipping released the AMET CD to commemorates the inauguration of AMET University, the First University in Maritime Education of the country, at the hands of Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos , Secretary General, International Maritime Organization, London.

Delivering his special address at the inauguration, Mr. Efthimios applauded the dedication those Indian mariners have in them and for having become a reliable source of quality personnel that shipping companies of all nations have come to depend on. It is no coincidence that the list of foreign ship management companies with bases in India is long and continuing to grow, he said. Mentioning about the great demand for Indian seafarers all over the world he appreciated the skill, knowledge, integrity and the reliability any Indian mariner has. Endorsing the dedication AMET management has in developing the marine education he expressed confidence that it would establish itself firmly as a center of excellence through its teaching and research oriented faculties for all facets of the maritime industry. Other countries envy AMET's achievement of unusual distinction of a 100 percent placement, he remarked.

Mr.Lukose Vallatharai, IAS., Joint Director General of Shipping, Govt. of India while delivering his felicitation address congratulated the management team for their efforts in bringing up this unique University which now has designed courses across the shipping industry including Shipping Finance, Maritime Law and Marine Insurance, Technical Management of Ship Operations, Marine Microbiology, Marine Biotechnology, Marine Hospitality Management and Harbour Engineering and Offshore Technology to name a few. Mentioning about the remarkable manpower potential the country has, Vallatharai insisted upon the present generation to pursue higher education to utilize the global employment opportunities. Statistically mentioning that the world marine industry would have a shortage of 46000 mariners by 2010, he opined that only India could bridge the gap by producing efficient marines as it has its 70 percent population in the productive age group of 18 - 23 years.

Capt. J.C. Anand, Chairman of Indian Register of Shipping presented a silver plague to AMET commemorating the University status and congratulated the management team. Mr. Rajesh Ramachandran felicitated the dignitaries with shawl and mementos.

The function concluded with a warm Vote of Thanks by lady Cadet Jasween Kaur who touched the heart of The Secretary General. He was visibly impressed and moved and blessed her ornately. The Press had a field day having an opportunity to interview The Secretary General of IMO, who obliged them unassumingly.

AMET University had instituted 'Cadet of the Year' rolling trophy in the name of The Secretary General. This award, annually recognizes the Best of the best cadet, whose achievements, in a variety of pursuits, have warranted individual recognition of the top order.This awardee distinguishes himself as being exceptionally worthy and exemplifying the qualities that have marked the Indian Seafarer, internationally. This prestigious trophy at the inaugural year was won by Cadet Vishvesh Pandit of 3rd Year B.E.(marine Technology) course.