University of Mumbai is setting up a one of its kind Centre of Excellence in Maritime Studies (CEMAS). The centre was inaugurated virtually by the hands of Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra, earlier this week in the presence of Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Dr Shekhar Mande, Director General, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Through this unique Centre, the University is embarking towards bolstering higher education and research in maritime studies. The Centre is expected to have an interdisciplinary focus, taking cognizance of the borderless realms of marine and maritime studies.
The syllabus developed will be dynamic and flexible with strong focus on applied elements. The mission of CEMAS is to provide quality education in subjects related to national maritime growth and development, observing an interdisciplinary approach across humanities, law, commerce & management, and science & technology, so as to empower students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills and focus required to address maritime challenges and harness the seas for furthering developmental goals, in an inclusive, integrated and holistic manner.
The Centre will navigate itself to achieve excellence in both, academics and research in the myriad of areas, which are under the umbrella of Maritime Studies. CEMAS is expected to provide a stimulating intellectual climate for academics and policymakers working on topics related to coasts and seas. It will synergise an ecosystem for higher education and research in Maritime Studies. It will draw expertise from these fields related to maritime and marine. Curriculum delivery will work on blended mode of Teaching and Learning, leveraging on the resource pools and expertise that are both, on site and off site for academics and research. This will help the centre to adapt to the very principles that are enshrined in the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.The Centre is expected to attract both Indian and foreign students in this domain.
On this milestone event Vice Chancellor Prof Suhas Pednekar said, “The University has more than 700 km of shore line in its geographical jurisdiction, it was imperative to start a centre dedicated to maritime studies and research to create trained manpower and new knowledge in this domain that can meet the country’s maritime vision,”
Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Ravindra Kulkarni said, “CEMAS will endeavour to focus on research related to open ocean. The centre will try to involve in the Deep Ocean Mission of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of India in collaboration with CSIR-NIO and other research organizations.”
Dr Anuradha Majumdar, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, In-charge Director, CEMAS, said, “University of Mumbai has identified Maritime Studies as one of its thrust areas. This would, in turn, develop and expand maritime consciousness and perspective, which is an essential component for the national growth and development.”
She further added that the centre has a panel of eminent and renowned advisors from Navy, Mercantile Shipping and Commerce, Maritime Strategy, Maritime Law, Maritime History,
Maritime and Marine Science and Technology etc to provide robust direction and pertinent mentoring. Further, stating that the programmes to be offered by the centre are expected to be initiated from the academic year 2021-22.