In another impressive passing out function held on 29th December, the fourth batch of DNS cadets passed out completing their one year shore training at Lonavala.  Mr DT Joseph, former Director-General of Shipping and Union Secretary to the Department of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Roads and Highways was the Chief Guest on this occasion.  The Chief Guest arrived accompanied by  Ms. C S Sohoni, (former Union Secretary, Dept of Animal Husbandry).
The significance of the event was further enhanced by the presence of  another dignitary Commodore KO Thakare NM, Commanding Officer INS Shivaji, Lonavla.  (INS Shivaji is the alma mater of Engineers of the Indian Navy]  who in the true spirit of the maritime industry took part in the event and addressed the cadet joining a merchant navy fleet.     

 Mr. DT Joseph in his speech thanked the Management for giving him an opportunity to be the Chief Guest on this passing out function.  “I have been the Director-General of Shipping and thereafter as a Union Secretary – Department of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Roads and Highways and I am familiar with the maritime Industry.  But it is an amazing experience to see such a wonderful facility that has been created – even every single feature has been attended in detail for making this marvelous complex a world class.”  He further added that he has not seen such a lovely place like this in his entire career.  
     Mr. Joseph pointed out that though we are a nation of 100 Crore but our share in the seafaring is very minimal.  Referring to the need of high quality and standards, he advised the cadets that learning is a continuous process  which will help enhance the capability so that one can survive in this competitive world.  He further added, "You be better than yourself every day.  Onboard ships, the Masters and Chief Engineers do not have time always to devote on you.  It is yourself who should strive hard to make use of what you have onboard ships to improve oneself."

Commodore KO Thakare appreciated the invitation for him to visit what he deemed as a magnificent campus which has unique characteristics of its own. “ I must tell the passing out cadets that they are going to become the part of world mariners and the profession they have chosen is immensely a satisfying career” , he stressed.

He exhorted the Cadets that there is no short cut to success – only hard work pays and kindly pay attention to hard work.  You are living in a techno-savvy world where it is utmost important for you all to update yourself to excel – continue to read beyond the syllabus for furtherance of your career.  He wished the Cadets all the success in their future endeavour.

Cadet Mannan Raza Khan offered a vote of thanks to the guests on behalf of the institute and the management.