<span style="color: #222222;">Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari inaugurated the Merchant Navy Week for the State of Maharashtra at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on Thursday. Director-General of Shipping Amitabh Kumar pinned the miniature flag of maritime day on the jacket of the Governor to mark the inauguration.<br />''<br />''Speaking on the occasion the Governor said youth of the country are excited to join the Merchant Navy and called for efforts to create awareness about the opportunities available in the maritime sector for the youth through schools and colleges.<br />''<br />''Director-General of Shipping Amitabh Kumar informed that efforts are being made to attract more women to the shipping sector and to enroll women in maritime education training institutes. Rs.1 lakh per annum scholarship will be given to enrolled women.<br />''<br />''The National Maritime Day is observed on 5th April every year. It was on 5th April 1919 that the first Indian Steamship S S Loyalty of Scindia Steam Navigation Co Mumbai set off on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London. A week preceding the National Maritime Day is celebrated as Merchant Navy Week.</span><br />