IIT Guwahati and Indian Register of Shipping Highlight Milestone
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), recently celebrated a significant milestone in the maritime engineering sector. On November 22, 2025, they successfully conducted the Symposium on Underwater Welding, Offshore Repair & Additive Manufacturing at the IIT Guwahati campus. This event marked a pivotal moment in advancing underwater engineering capabilities in India.
Significance of the Event
The symposium was graced by the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways. His attendance underscored the importance of the event and the initiatives being undertaken to bolster India’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities.
Underwater Welding Programme
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the distribution of certificates for the second batch of the Underwater Welding (UWW) Programme, a joint initiative between IRS and IIT Guwahati. This programme is unique in India, focusing on training professionals in underwater welding, a critical skill for offshore repair, subsea construction, and maritime infrastructure development.
Objectives of the Programme
- To develop trained and certified professionals in underwater welding.
- To enhance capabilities in offshore repair and subsea construction.
- To support the growth of maritime infrastructure in India.
Commitment to Capability-Building
The IRS has expressed its commitment to fostering capability-building in emerging technical domains. The Underwater Welding Programme aims to produce qualified personnel who can perform underwater welding with high precision and reliability. Despite the challenges inherent in mastering this specialized field, IRS officials are optimistic that these obstacles can be overcome through sustained effort, innovation, and structured training.
Collaboration Between Academia and Industry
Dr. Asokendu Samanta, Divisional Head R&D at IRS, emphasized the need for cohesive collaboration between academic institutions and industry bodies to drive national progress. He stated, “For a country to advance, academia and industry must work together seamlessly. This partnership between a premier institution like IIT Guwahati and IRS stands as an exemplary model for developing specialized programmes of national relevance.”
Vision for a Self-Reliant India
Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, highlighted the broader implications of the programme, stating, “This initiative marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening India’s underwater engineering capabilities and contributes to the broader vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) articulated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”
Conclusion
The successful conduct of the Symposium on Underwater Welding, Offshore Repair & Additive Manufacturing signifies a major advancement in India’s maritime engineering landscape. The collaboration between IIT Guwahati and IRS not only enhances the skill set of professionals in the field but also aligns with the national goals of self-reliance and innovation in maritime infrastructure.
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