Indian seafarers encounter numerous challenges while navigating life at sea, and yoga is being introduced as a potential solution. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has launched the Sagar Mein Yog (SMY) initiative to enhance the overall wellness of seafarers. According to Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, the initiative emphasizes physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial wellness, aligning with the Prime Minister’s global promotion of yoga’s ancient benefits. With approximately 300,000 Indian seafarers working worldwide, the program aims to cultivate strong, resilient professionals.
The SMY initiative is designed to integrate yoga and mindfulness into the daily routines of seafarers, ensuring their wellness both at sea and onshore. It is part of the Maritime India Vision 2030, which prioritizes mental well-being. The program includes a Learning Management System (LMS) that will be gradually mandated for training in Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs), ensuring that all serving seafarers receive essential training.
Additionally, the DGS is implementing a Training of Trainers (ToT) program to equip yoga instructors with the necessary skills to teach the syllabus effectively. This initiative aims to address the maritime industry’s evolving landscape, characterized by automation and digitalization, as well as the global shortage of trained seafarers. By 2030, India aims to supply at least 20% of the world’s seafarers, up from 12% currently.
