5 Key Highlights of India Maritime Week 2025 Excursion by Kamaraj College Student Council

Celebrating India Maritime Week 2025

As part of the nationwide celebrations of India Maritime Week 2025, observed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways from November 27 to November 31, 2025, the Student Council of Kamaraj College, Thoothukudi, organized a meaningful and informative excursion to the VOC Port Harbour.

This initiative aimed to provide students with first-hand exposure to India’s maritime infrastructure and port operations. The visit, held on November 31, 2025, offered valuable insights into the workings of the shipping and marine logistics sectors, aligning with the nation’s goal of promoting maritime awareness among youth.

Purpose and Significance of the Visit

The visit was planned to help students understand the importance of maritime trade and its role in India’s economic development. India Maritime Week 2025 serves as a platform to highlight the country’s growing maritime strength and create awareness about various opportunities in the shipping industry.

By organizing this educational trip, the Student Council of Kamaraj College demonstrated its commitment to experiential learning and skill-based exposure beyond classroom boundaries. The excursion was not only academic but also inspirational, encouraging students to consider future careers in the marine and logistics sectors.

Participation and Coordination

The event saw active participation from more than 45 student council members, accompanied by their dedicated coordinator, Dr. M. Ummu Jasmine, along with a few faculty members from different departments. Their enthusiasm and curiosity made the visit truly engaging.

The Student Council worked collaboratively to ensure smooth coordination and adherence to safety protocols throughout the visit. The excursion reflected the college’s holistic approach to education, which integrates academic knowledge with real-world experience.

Exploring VOC Port Harbour – A Center of Maritime Excellence

The VOC Port Harbour in Thoothukudi is one of India’s premier ports, known for its significant contribution to international trade and commerce. During the visit, students had the remarkable opportunity to tour the port facilities and gain a close view of port logistics and operations.

The guided tour included an introduction to cargo handling procedures, shipping documentation, navigation systems, and safety management practices. The officials at the port explained the operational flow — from ship docking to cargo clearance — giving students a clear understanding of how the maritime sector functions efficiently and safely.

A Rare Experience: Boarding a Commercial Ship

A highlight of the visit during India Maritime Week 2025 was the unique chance for students to board a commercial ship docked at the port. This experience was both educational and thrilling, as it allowed participants to see up close the advanced systems, navigation equipment, and cargo handling technologies used in modern maritime operations.

Students observed how crew members coordinated with port authorities and learned about the complex communication and safety measures involved in international shipping. This first-hand experience deepened their appreciation for the maritime sector’s professionalism and global significance.

Learning Outcomes and Key Takeaways

The educational visit provided numerous learning benefits for the participating students. Some of the major takeaways from the India Maritime Week 2025 excursion include:

• Understanding of Port Logistics: Students learned how goods are handled, stored, and transported through efficient port systems.
• Insight into Marine Operations: The visit explained how ports support trade, security, and environmental compliance.
• Career Awareness: Participants gained exposure to various employment opportunities in shipping, logistics, customs, and maritime management.
• Hands-on Learning: Observing real-time port activities helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• Leadership and Teamwork: The collaborative nature of the visit strengthened teamwork and communication skills among students.

These outcomes aligned perfectly with the mission of India Maritime Week 2025, which focuses on fostering maritime education and nurturing future leaders for India’s blue economy.

Reflection by the Participants

Many students expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to explore a functioning commercial port. They found the experience both educational and inspiring. Several participants shared that seeing the scale of port operations in person helped them better understand the complexity of global trade and the significance of maritime logistics.

They also appreciated how the visit broadened their awareness of career paths in the marine and port sectors, particularly in areas like logistics management, international business, and port administration.

Role of the Student Council and Faculty Support

The Student Council of Kamaraj College played a central role in conceptualizing and organizing this excursion. Under the guidance of Dr. M. Ummu Jasmine, the council ensured every aspect of the trip was educational, safe, and well-structured. The accompanying staff members provided constant support, ensuring that the objectives of India Maritime Week 2025 were effectively achieved.

This collaborative spirit between students and faculty exemplifies Kamaraj College’s commitment to holistic education and community engagement.

Conclusion: An Enriching Maritime Experience

The India Maritime Week 2025 excursion to VOC Port Harbour was an enlightening and memorable experience for all participants. It not only expanded students’ academic knowledge but also gave them a realistic understanding of how India’s maritime industry functions as a vital pillar of the economy.

Through this initiative, Kamaraj College reaffirmed its dedication to providing experiential learning opportunities that empower students with knowledge, confidence, and vision.

The visit to the VOC Port Harbour during India Maritime Week 2025 successfully achieved its goal of enhancing awareness about the maritime sector while inspiring students to explore future possibilities in this dynamic and globally connected field.