PM Modi lays importance on nation's maritime strength

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said a nation's maritime strength is a vital input for its emergence as a global economic power.

Speaking at a function here for the release of the book 'Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages', he referred to his recent visit to nations in the Indian Ocean.

Prime Minister Modi described this as an effort to revitalize relations with the countries with whom India shares a common ocean.

He said historically, India has been a strong maritime power, which gave her economic strength.

Prime Minister Modi complimented all those involved with the preparation of the book and said such efforts are an essential part of every culture which is conscious of its history.

He said India has usually not been a history-conscious society, and therefore, many great accomplishments of the past have remained anonymous.

Prime Minister Modi said in today's age of patents and IPRs, it was vital for India to be conscious of its history and culture.

The book is a depiction and transcription of 'Malam Ni Pothis' - a collection of Gujarati manuscripts which describe the pre-modern navigation technology of Gujarat.

The book describes expeditions undertaken by the Malams (navigators) of Kutch. The original Pothis are dated from the 17th to 19th century.

The book, 'Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages', has been transcribed and edited by Ashok B. Rajeshirke. It is a collaborative effort by the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Darshak Itihas Nidhi - a foundation for research and studies in history.

Union Minister for Culture Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Darshak Itihas Nidhi chairman Hasmukh Shah, were present on the occasion.