Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has formally urged the Ministry of Ports and Shipping to establish a maritime university in Mangaluru, proposing it be named the Rani Abbakka Maritime University, in honour of the legendary coastal warrior queen.
In a meeting with Ministry Secretary T K Ramachandran on Tuesday, Capt Chowta said the institution would be a tribute to Rani Abbakka’s legacy and a catalyst for nurturing a future-ready maritime workforce skilled in marine engineering, maritime law, port management, and maritime informatics.
In his letter, he stated that the proposal aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Maritime Amrit Kaal” vision and India’s broader strategic push to become a global maritime leader.
He emphasised Mangaluru’s strategic location, maritime heritage, and proximity to New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) and several academic institutions as ideal factors for the university’s success.
Capt Chowta proposed a comprehensive academic offering, including BTech, BSc, BBA, MTech, MBA, MSc, and diploma programmes tailored to meet the needs of India’s evolving maritime sector.
He also recommended that the NMPA, currently celebrating its golden jubilee, play a pivotal role in commissioning a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Further, he urged the ministry to constitute an expert committee and begin inter-ministerial consultations for stakeholder alignment and framework development.
If approved, the proposed university could become a national centre of excellence in maritime education and innovation, rooted in Mangaluru’s rich coastal legacy.