Indian Maritime University has signed an MoU with RK Malhotra Holding Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Foresight Group, founded by Dr. Ravi Mehrotra, CBE an Alumnus of IMU, (former DMET Kolkata), who has agreed to invest USD 1.5 million towards Endowment Portfolio and USD 0.72 million to establish the building of Dr. R K Mehrotra Centre of Excellence in Maritime at the Kolkata Campus of the university. Dr Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor of IMU and Sri Amulya Mohapatra, Director & Vice President, of Shipping, Foresight Group exchanged the MoUs during an an Alumni and Industry Meet on August 5, 2024 at the Mumbai Cricket Association Recreation Centre, which was attended by its Alumni and maritime industry leaders.
The centre will focus on developing capabilities in emerging technologies in the maritime sector, research studies and innovation. RK Malhotra, Group Managing Director of RKMHL expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and said, “I am excited to support Indian Maritime University in its mission to advance Research and Innovation in the maritime sector. The Centre of Excellence reflects our commitment to foster innovation and create better opportunities for students and researchers. It was my mission to contribute to give back to my alma mater.” He urged the other Alumni to join hands with IMU in its pursuit of excellence in maritime education and research.
The second highlight was the signing of a MoA with the Institute of Marine Engineers, India [IME(i)], establishing a sponsorship of ₹18 lakhs to two Junior Research Fellows (JRF), who will pursue research studies at IMU. The sponsorship is expected to add to the growing research interest in the maritime sector. The JRFs will be able to pursue their Doctoral studies also with the university. Several industry-relevant research projects will be decided jointly by IME(i) and IMU. The MoA was signed by Dr. Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor IMU and Mr. Rajeev Nayyer, President IME(i).
The event was graced by the presence of, Dr. Rajoo Balaji – Pro-Vice Chancellor of IMU, Capt. Kishore Sundaresan Professor of Practice, Capt. Mihir Chandra, Director of IMU’s Navi Mumbai Campus, Cmde. (Dr.) Vivek Chawla (retd.) (IN), Director of IMU’s Mumbai Port Campus, and Rear Admiral (Dr) Rangachari P J (Retd.) (IN), Director of IMU’s Kolkata Campus.
Rajeev Nayyer, President of the Institute of Marine Engineers, India said, “IME(i) has always been dedicated towards promoting scientific development in maritime and our partnership with Indian Maritime University serves as an extension of our commitment. With this collaboration, we are striving to support the next generation of maritime researchers, opening up greater opportunities for their growth and progression.”
The event also saw a networking of industry and alumni. Capt. Kishore Sundaresan, Professor of Practice, IMU, impressed upon the industry attendees on the online MBA (Maritime Management) program, specially designed for seafaring officers. IMU’s Samudra Surabhi Campaign was also part of the discussion. The University drew attention to this platform through which alumni and industry stakeholders can contribute to various events and initiatives of the University drawing IT benefits and a good cause for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets.
