Interview/ S. Shanthakumar, provost, Gujarat Maritime University
S. SHANTHAKUMAR, who serves as provost of the Gujarat Maritime University, spoke exclusively with THE WEEK about the importance of maritime education and what set apart the pedagogy and curriculum at the GMU. He said the GMU offered programmes aligned with global and national demands in commercial maritime activity. Excerpts:
The Indian maritime education sector prioritises technical programmes over commercial ones. How does the Gujarat Maritime University plan to address this?
India boasts over 150 maritime training institutes, predominantly focusing on technical education. The Gujarat Maritime University (GMU), established in 2019, addresses this gap by offering programmes aligned with global and national demands in commercial maritime roles. We tailor our programmes for both new entrants and experienced professionals. A significant achievement of the GMU is the establishment of the Gujarat International Maritime Arbitration Centre, which is being developed as India’s first arbitration centre related to shipping. This will fill a void in India’s maritime sector by providing a domestic alternative to international arbitration. Additionally, the GMU’s commitment to forging global and national partnerships ensures a continuous exchange of knowledge and adherence to international best practices, positioning India as a leader in both technical and commercial maritime education.
Can you explain your collaboration with the Gujarat Maritime Board which is responsible for 48 non-major ports in Gujarat?
The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has transcended its national presence and established itself as an international brand. The GMB’s extensive network handles approximately 30 per cent of India’s national cargo, thereby offering the GMU a unique advantage. This connection enables us to engage with a diverse array of industry leaders, enhancing our educational offerings and the employability of our students.
Our students gain practical experience through internships with the GMB’s stakeholders, which include prominent industry leaders like Reliance, Shell, Adani Port at Mundra and APM Terminals at Pipavav. These internships provide students with firsthand knowledge of latest industry practices and prepare them for future roles. This blend of academic learning and practical experience has led to the successful placement of GMU graduates in reputable national and international maritime companies.
What sets apart the pedagogy and curriculum at the GMU?
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We recognise the complexities inherent in higher education and the limitations of traditional teaching methods at this level. Our classrooms, equipped with the latest technology, allow for the effective presentation of complex ideas, fostering an innovative problem-solving approach among students. Learning at the GMU extends beyond the classroom. Students gain hands-on experience through multiple field visits to ports and shipping yards, offering a comprehensive understanding of logistics processes. Also, the GMU is probably the only maritime institution in the country which offers a foreign externship to students for two weeks.
Our curriculum is developed through feedback from industry experts, alumni and academic peers, and a significant portion is delivered by professionals and international experts. This ensures our courses are comprehensive, contemporary and relevant, equipping students with the skills to excel.