Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has announced new initiatives to expand maritime education and services for youth in Northeast India. Speaking at the 44th Manik Chandra Barooah Memorial National Debate Competition at Cotton University in Guwahati, Sonowal said Cotton University and the National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI), Patna, would explore collaboration in maritime studies and student exposure programmes to create new academic and career opportunities. He also announced plans to establish a Mercantile Marine Department under the Directorate General of Maritime Administration in Guwahati to provide seafarer certification and safety-related services closer to aspiring maritime professionals from the Northeast. The initiative is expected to reduce the time and cost involved in travelling to distant cities for certification and encourage greater participation of young people from the region in the maritime and shipping sector. Paying tribute to educationist Manik Chandra Barooah, Sonowal highlighted his contribution to the establishment of Cotton College and praised the institution’s long-standing role in nurturing intellectual thought and public leadership. Referring to the importance of debate in a democracy, the minister urged students to promote logical arguments, respectful listening and dignified disagreement in public life. The national debate competition brought together students from institutions across India and Bhutan, with Sonowal congratulating participants and organisers for continuing Cotton University’s intellectual tradition.
New Maritime Opportunities for Northeast Youth, Says Sonowal
