April 5 marks the National Maritime Day of India.
On this day in 1919 navigation history was created when SS Loyalty, the first ship of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, journeyed to the United Kingdom.
The National Maritime Day was first celebrated on 5th April, 1964.
The strategic geographical position of the Indian sub-continent with vast expanse of the seas around naturally led to seafaring even in the days of the Indus Valley civilisation dating back to circa 3000 BC.
Since time immemorial Indians have displayed a remarkable interest in seafaring and maritime activities.
The shipbuilding industry in India had shown great progress so long as sailing ships with wooden hull were in vogue.
