rom time immemorial, the myriad mysteries of the sea have captured the imagination of humankind. Its magnificence is hypnotic, its fury frightening and its bounty largely unexplored. As inhabitants of a continent overwhelmingly dominated by the sea, our dependence on its resources has soared over the centuries and is expected to escalate unabated for many years to come. Kanhoji Angre
Kanhoji Angre
In such a context, the very concept of Sea Explorers’ Institute is marked with dynamism and creativity. And the twenty tumultuous years that this Institute has cruised – since its inauguration in 1987 – stand testimony to its brilliant success in a field that few dare to tread. The original idea was mooted by distinguished scientist, explorer, voyager, swimmer and oarsman, Dr. Pinaki Ranjan Chatterjee, way back in the early 80s. However, while preparations to set up a full-fledged institute were still underway, Dr. Chatterjee died a tragic and untimely death just as he was getting ready to go on a voyage by sea from Calcutta to Indonesia under the banner of his dream-institute. A group of spirited men and women took up the reins. The then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, patronized the initiative. With Dr. Sheuli Chatterjee at the helm, the idea gradually took concrete shape. Counsel was sought from leading academics and intellectuals of the day like Prof. Manindra Mohan Chakraborty (who became the founder president of the Institute), then Vice Chancellor of Jadavpur University, Prof. Santosh Bhattacharya, then Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University), Dr. Debi Prasad Chattopadhyay, Prof. Anil Sarkar, journalist Gour Kishore Ghosh and others. Funds were collected from public donations and charities to finance the infrastructure. The West Bengal government too came forward with its support. The Institute got its present shape, thanks to financial help from both the state and the central governments.
