Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, the only national Deemed University on fisheries education, celebrated its 55th Foundation Day on 6th June, 2016. Dr. M. V. Gupta, World Food Prize Laureate (2005) graced this occasion as Chief Guest and distributed the annual institution awards in 14 categories like Best Scientist, Best Teacher, Best Extension Scientist, etc. Guests of honour included Prof. Madhusoodana Kurup, former Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Prof. George John, Vice Chancellor of Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand and Dr. A. K. Chaube, Scientist-in-charge, Mumbai Centre of National Institute of Oceanography.

Speaking in a lecture series on the theme “Higher Fisheries Education: Present Status and Future Directions”, Dr. M. V. Gupta, recounted the days when he had arranged for batches of SE Asian entrepreneurs to be trained at CIFE. He stressed upon the need for India to lengthen its stride so as to maintain its 2nd position in global aquaculture production. Prof. Madhusoodana Kurup, highlighted the need for greater government emphasis and expenditure in the fisheries sector. He also put forth the view that entrepreneurship should be encouraged through skill development programs and diploma courses so that the dream of blue revolution envisaged by the Prime Minister is realized. Prof. George John, Vice Chancellor of Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand, suggested that CIFE should quantify its impact by tracking the achievements of its alumni in the fisheries sector since its inception. He was of the opinion that the sector lacks human resource of entrepreneurial capabilities and advised action in this direction. Dr. P. K. Pandey, Dean, College of Fisheries, CAU, Tripura, commented on the need to make teaching a more rewarding engagement for scientists who are often judged on research performance alone. Dr. Gopal Krishna, Director, CIFE summed up the institute’s achievements in HRD and technologies such as aquaculture in inland saline areas, enhanced larval survival of indigenous magur, vaccine for white spot shrimp virus, etc. and thanked experts for their valuable suggestions for future developments in fisheries education.

The celebrations ended with a cultural program in which the staff, students and family members of CIFE participated enthusiastically.

Hindi version of Annual Day Celebration - Download