Mangaluru: The New Mangalore Port Authority proudly celebrated its 77th Independence Day with an array of patriotic activities, commemorating the nation’s rich history and its journey towards progress and prosperity. Dr A. V. Ramana, Chairman NMPA presided over the function, accompanied by K. G. Nath, Dy. Chairman and Padmanabahachar, CVO. The event took place at the port premises and was participated by Officers, employees, staff, stakeholders, school children and the local community in a spirit of unity and nationalism.
The event began with garlanding the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B. R. Ambedkar and U. S. Mallya on the Port premises by the Chairman along with the Officers and employees of the Port.
Chairman hoisted the National Flag near JNC Convention Hall to mark the commemoration of the 77th Independence Day celebration in the Port. This was followed by reviewing the parade contingent of CISF personnel, NMPA Fire services, Scouts and Guides and the private security force of the Port.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr A. V. Ramana, Chairman conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the gathering on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day. He recalled the sacrifices laid by the freedom fighters who struggled tirelessly for India’s independence. He highlighted the nation’s varied developments in various sectors including major ports since independence.
He emphasized the NMPA’s commitment to contributing to India’s development and strengthening the maritime sector. In the previous year, the Port had handled 41.42 MT cargo and since then has shown a growth of 9.16 per cent in cargo handling in the current financial year. Port’s operating ratio has improved commendably from 38.21 per cent in the previous year to 35 per cent approximately in the current year. Chairman expressed his happiness in announcing that the Port has grown tremendously and has shown incremental rate in Year-on-Year cargo handling in comparison to other major ports and stands on the top position in terms of cargo handling growth in the last four months.
Dr A. V. Ramana recalled the inaugurations of various projects by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways on various occasions in last year. Also recalled the winning of “The Greentech Award”, ISO certification of 45001 2018 for Occupational Health and Safety, winning 2 Hindi Rajabhasha Awards from Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Sagar Sreshtha Samman Award from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for the overall performance among major ports in the last year. This year the Port will take up new projects such as the modernization of KK Gate, New Berth No. 17, Upgradation of Berth no. 09 and 13, etc. He added that this year the Port is expected to handle 48 MT cargo as the Port is a leader in adopting new technologies, digitalizing its processes, automation, green port initiatives and traffic growth.
Prizes were distributed to the school children and Port employees for their exemplary achievements in the field of sports, and studies and to the winners of various competitions held as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in the Port.
The celebration was not only a time for reflection but also a moment of cultural vibrancy. The event featured performances by school children, showcasing India’s diverse heritage. The attendees were treated to a mesmerizing cultural extravaganza that exemplified the unity in diversity that India stands for.
Additionally, a tree plantation drive was organized within the port premises, underscoring the Port’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the nation’s goal of creating a greener and healthier India.
Employees of the Port participated in in Har Ghar Tiranga campaign by hoisting the National Flag in their house and premises. Port distributed National flags to the employees and CISF personnel conducted a bike rally to create awareness in the general public about the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and to instill the feeling of patriotism in their hearts.
100 feet tall National Flag Mast inaugurated at NMPA:
On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day celebration Chairman, NMPA inaugurated a 100-foot-tall National Flag Mast which is located in front of U.S. Mallya Gate. National Flag Mast erected adjacent to NH 66 is one of the highest flag masts in the region and is easily visible to all who travel through the national highway.
