Manu Bhaker: New Brand Ambassador of Indian Maritime Sector

Appointment of Manu Bhaker as Brand Ambassador

• The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways named Manu Bhaker as its Brand Ambassador
• Announcement made by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the 4th "Harnessing of the Nari Shakti for the Development of the Nation" event in Chennai
• Bhaker, a double Olympic medalist in shooting, is the daughter of a Marine Engineer
• Minister Sonowal emphasized the significance of Bhaker's appointment, calling it a "homecoming for the Sailor's Daughter"

Celebrating Women Achievers in Maritime and Other Sectors

• Event held at Chennai Port's International Cruise Terminal, jointly organized by Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Authority
• Several women honored for their contributions to nation-building:
  • Lt. Commander Vartika Joshi: First female skipper of INSV Tarini
  • Sonali Banerjee: First female marine engineer in Indian Mercantile Marine
  • Captain Teena Joey: General Manager, JM Baxi Group, Chennai Branch
  • Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manisha Ramadass: Paralympics medalists in badminton
  • Rupali Raj Joshi: Surveyor at Indian Registrar of Shipping

Promoting Women's Empowerment and Maritime Sector

• Minister Sonowal highlighted the importance of Nari Shakti (women power) in nation-building
• The event aimed to inspire more women to pursue careers in the maritime sector
• Emphasis on the sector's values: punctuality, discipline, perseverance, and humility
• Goal to reach out to Indian youth about opportunities in the marine sector
• Connection to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by 2047

Additional Initiatives and Participation

• "Swachata Hi Seva 2024" drive conducted to commemorate PM Modi's birthday
• Planting of over 400 saplings as part of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign
• Participation from various educational institutions, including Indian Maritime University and AMET University