As India continues celebrating the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, initiatives across the nation are spotlighting the transformative power of education, empowerment, and skill-building. A shining example comes from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, where the VOC Port Authority has successfully concluded a series of impactful skill development programmes under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.
On November 26, 2025, the Port hosted the valedictory ceremony of the latest batch of trainees at the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The event marked yet another milestone for the Port’s mission to equip local youth with industry-relevant skills that open doors to meaningful and sustainable employment.
Celebrating Achievement and Excellence
The ceremony was graced by Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, who distributed course completion certificates to trainees graduating from the EXIM & Warehouse Executive, Welder, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programmes. Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, along with senior port officers, also witnessed the celebrations.
What stood out prominently this year was the exceptional performance and placement record of the trainees. The programme achieved 100% placement for all 14 trainees in the Welder and CNC Operator batch—an achievement that reflects not only the quality of training but also the growing industry demand for skilled professionals in these sectors. Many other candidates were also placed in renowned multinational companies, underscoring the acceptance and credibility of these programmes across the industry.
Building Skills for a Stronger Future
VOC Port, through CEMS, has been offering seven specialised vocational courses designed to strengthen employability across diverse industrial domains. These include:
- Domestic Data Entry Operator
- Exim Executive
- Warehouse Executive
- Welder
- CNC Operator
- Supply Chain Executive
- Courier Associate Operations
Each course is strategically designed to bridge the skills gap and enhance the readiness of youth for evolving industry needs. With hands-on training, modern facilities, and experienced faculty, CEMS continues to emerge as a hub for high-impact training in the maritime and manufacturing ecosystem.
Leadership That Inspires
During the valedictory address, Chairperson Shri Purohit encouraged students to seize the opportunity and build fulfilling careers in their chosen fields. He emphasized the importance of gender equality and urged more women to participate in skill development and technical training programmes.
Deputy Chairperson Shri Soundararajan echoed these sentiments, motivating trainees to remain curious, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning—critical ingredients for success in today’s rapidly changing job markets.
A Commitment to Community Transformation
Through sustained training initiatives and a strong focus on employment-linked skill development, VOC Port is helping reshape the socio-economic landscape of the region. By enabling youth to secure meaningful careers, the Port is contributing to long-term community development and supporting India’s vision of a skilled and empowered workforce.
As this latest batch steps confidently into the future, the Port’s continued dedication to uplifting local communities stands as a testament to the transformative potential of well-designed CSR initiatives.