The Indian seafarers celebrate 6th November as the Seamen’s Unity Day. The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) commemorated the occasion as is done annually on the 6th of November, which is also a paid holiday for seafarers working on Indian and foreign flag ships.
The Seamen’s Unity Day function, 2015 was attended by hundreds of seafarers, family members besides the representatives of shipping organizations. NUSI President, Capt. N. Hiranandani presided the function and informed the gathering about the ISWAN award that was bagged by NUSI. He also notified everybody about the Income tax relief which has benefitted the Indian seafarers.
The gathering also witnessed felicitation of Capt. Nalin Pandey, Managing Director of Pentagon Shipping Ltd. for being awarded the Link India U.K. Business Award in London for his services to the Indian and international maritime community. NUSI President, Capt. N. Hiranandani presented a memento and felicitated Capt. Nalin Pandey.
Capt. Nalin Pandey spoke about his work experiences and the various initiatives through the Pentagon Marine services for the benefit of seafarers for which he was awarded. Capt. Pandey on being felicitated thanked NUSI and everyone present.
Shri Abdulgani Y. Serang, NUSI General Secretary and Vice Chair, ITF Asia Pacific Region, felicitated Capt. Vaibhav Dalvi, Director – Crewing Operations, V.Ships India Pvt. Ltd by presenting a memento for authoring the book “Samudrayan”. The book “Samudrayan” printed in Marathi language is an inspiration not only for the seafarers but also to the young aspirants who aim to consider shipping as their profession. Capt. Vaibhav Dalvi, expressed his gratitude and said that it is a great honour to be felicitated by NUSI and seafarers. He further said that the book “Samudrayan” is a compilation of his experiences onboard. Capt. Dalvi concluded by giving a message to seafarers that “There is no substitute for hard work and there is no shortcut to success”.
In his address Mr. Abdulgani Y. Serang stated that NUSI will support the initiative of translating the book “Samudrayan” from Marathi to English for wider coverage and outreach. Mr. Serang informed the seafarers about the various facilities being provided by the union for the benefit of seafarers and their family members. Mr. Serang also announced that based on the requests received from the seafarers, NUSI as a part of its welfare initiatives will provide the facility of Wi-fi at the premises of hostel and home. The jubilant seafarers cheered and applauded on hearing this announcement.
On the occasion of the Seamen’s Unity Day a seaman loyalist of NUSI Bro. Suresh Solanki (Chaman), was honoured with a “Golden Member Card” for his longstanding strong support to the activities of NUSI. Beneficiaries of the various NUSI welfare initiatives, through the Trusts, like Financial Medical Assistance, Educational Scholarship Grant etc. also received financial assistance.
