The Double Olympic shooting medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Manu Bhaker, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. This appointment is part of an initiative to celebrate women in the maritime sector. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praised Manu's achievements and her background as the daughter of a marine engineer make her an inspiring figure for the youth, aiming to promote the marine sector and self-reliance in India by 2047.
On appointing Manu, the Union Minister mentioned, "It is a moment of great pride for every Indian and every member of India's maritime sector that Manu Bhaker, the daughter of a marine sailor, is now going to champion the marine sector of India as our Brand Ambassador. her achievements in shooting reflect values instilled in her by her family's marine background - values of punctuality, discipline, perseverance, and humility."
Minister Sonowal announced the appointment of several women to various positions, including Lt Commander Vartika Joshi, the first female skipper on INSV Tarini, first female marine engineer Sonali Banerjee of Indian Mercantile Marine, Captain Teena Joey, General Manager of JM Baxi Group, Chennai, Paralympic medalists Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manisha Ramadass, and Rupali Raj Joshi, Surveyor of 1 STS Marine Component at Indian Registrar of Shipping.
In addition to this, the minister praised women's achievements and their potential to inspire future generations, emphasizing the importance of women in India's maritime sector. He reiterated the government's commitment to empowering women and advancing the maritime sector, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of national self-reliance and development.
