India's rich maritime tradition, dating back several millennia, is set to come alive once again with the revival of an ancient maritime marvel – the stitched ship. In a momentous initiative by GOI, Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, and M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, are collaborating to reconstruct an ancient stitched ship, reminiscent of the ships that once sailed the oceans on India's ancient maritime trade routes. This remarkable endeavour, deeply embedded in India’s cultural and civilizational heritage is a symbol of our nation’s rich shipbuilding legacy. Extensive research and consultation with a wide spectrum of subject matter experts have been instrumental in conceptualizing this ambitious project. This initiative represents a collaborative effort spanning multiple ministries. Indian Navy is overseeing ship's design and construction and would be sailing the ship along the ancient maritime trade routes. Ministry of Culture has fully funded this project, while Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of External Affairs will be supporting the project to ensure seamless execution of the international voyage. The Project was approved by National Implementation Committee, Chaired by Hon’ble Home Minister of India as a Commemoration Project on 14 Dec 2022. Directorate of Naval Architecture of Indian Navy engaged in several rounds of discussions with Ministry of Culture, culminating in signing of a tripartite agreement with M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, on 18 Jul 2023, for construction of Ancient Stitched Ship. The stitching work in construction of this ship will be undertaken by a team of traditional shipwrights, led by Shri. Babu Sankaran. The journey of rediscovery and revival begins with keel laying ceremony scheduled on 12 Sep 2023 at M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, where Smt Meenakshi Lekhi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, GoI will preside as Chief Guest. Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS and Mr Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of Economic Advisor Council to PM will also be present on the occasion.
