Event Lookback: Navigating Minds

Addressing Mental Health and Abandonment for Indian Seafarers

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In January 2025, the FSUI & ITWF hosted a transformative symposium, "Navigating Minds: A Dialogue on Mental Health and Challenges of Abandonment for Indian Seafarers," at the Harbour Room, Novotel Mumbai International Airport. This groundbreaking event brought together global leaders, maritime professionals, policymakers, mental health advocates, and seafarers to discuss two pressing issues in the maritime industry: mental health and seafarer abandonment.

A SYMBOLIC OPENING: LIGHTING THE PATH TO CHANGE

The symposium began with a Deep Prajwalan (lamp-lighting ceremony), a meaningful ritual symbolizing hope and enlightenment. This ceremonial start, led by dignitaries such as Chief Guest Capt. Daniel J. Joseph and Keynote Speaker Dr. Syed Asif Altaf Chowdhury, set the tone for a day dedicated to solutions and solidarity.

Shri Manoj Yadav, Secretary of FSUI, delivered an impassioned opening address, urging attendees to actively collaborate for actionable outcomes. His words resonated strongly, inspiring the audience to embrace a shared responsibility for seafarers' well-being.

INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS: SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND ABANDONMENT