Pune: Seafarers expressed strong confidence in India’s growing maritime future through Horizons and Seascapes, a three-day art exhibition that reflects the nation’s expanding role in the global blue economy.
The Horizons and Seascapes exhibition was inaugurated on Sunday at Balgandharva Rang Mandir (Kaladalan), J.M. Road, coinciding with the 63rd National Maritime Day celebrations held on April 5, 2026.
The Horizons and Seascapes exhibition, open to the public till April 7 from 10 am to 8 pm, is jointly organised by the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), Institute of Marine Engineers India (IMEI), and Indian Maritime Foundation (IMF), along with the Maha Mariners Association (MMA) and Amazeng Nautical Association (ANA).
Featuring around 125 exhibits, Horizons and Seascapes presents a diverse mix of paintings and photographs that capture the vastness, beauty, and varying moods of the ocean. The exhibition offers a unique showcase of creativity inspired by life at sea while also promoting awareness about the maritime sector and guiding aspiring professionals interested in careers at sea.
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Horizons and Seascapes: Inauguration Led by Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi AVSM, Commandant NDA, along with Shalini Jaggi
Prominent members of the seafarer community present at the event included Capt Milind Phadnis, Chairman, CMMI Pune Chapter; Capt Kiran Joshi, Warden, CMMI; Commodore Ajay Chitnis, President, IMF; Girish Kotwal, President, IMEI; Capt Harshad Patwardhan, Chairperson, MMA; and Sanjeev Ogale, Chairman, ANA, among others.
Appreciating the artworks showcased at Horizons and Seascapes, Vice Adm Anil Jaggi AVSM stated, “This is the apt way to commemorate the National Maritime Day than, with exhibition of photographs and paintings which has a maritime flavour and hue to it. This day is to remember and recognize the various contributions of and sacrifices of all mariners who sail across the world under very challenging and demanding conditions.
India is one of the largest seafaring communities in the world. In fact, 10% of the seafarers around the globe today are Indian. India’s growth is linked to what happens in the oceans and the maritime domain. This has been demonstrated by what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz. Free trade and energy lines have been disrupted and is a major concern for all nations around the world. Today we need to reinforce to our citizens the importance of oceans and the maritime domain to our growing economy.”
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Delivering the welcome address, Capt Milind Phadnis highlighted the significance of Horizons and Seascapes in the context of National Maritime Day. He said, “National Maritime Day, is observed annually on the 5th of April, honours the men and women at sea who play a vital role in sustaining India’s global trade and commerce. Much of their work happens far from public view, yet it remains essential to the prosperity and progress of our nation.
Over the decades, India has strengthened its presence in global shipping, including becoming a member of the International Maritime Organization in 1959. As we honour this proud legacy, we also look ahead with confidence to India’s growing maritime future through stronger ports, greener shipping, enhanced shipbuilding, and a larger role in the global blue economy.”
The Horizons and Seascapes exhibition proceedings were conducted by Capt Kiran Joshi as the master of ceremonies, while Capt Harshad Patwardhan delivered the vote of thanks.
