Celebrating Culture and Connection at Steamship Mutual’s Diwali Event
Last week, members of the Waves Group team, Dennis Kelly, Dirk Vande Velde (Rotterdam), Shishir Tiwary (Southampton), and Lea McDonald , were delighted to attend a vibrant Diwali celebration hosted by Steamship Mutual, in collaboration with WISTA UK and the Indian Maritime Association UK (IMA UK).
Held at Steamship’s offices in London, the evening brought together professionals from across the maritime community, including shipowners, brokers, insurers, lawyers, and government representatives, to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and to reflect on the values of unity and shared purpose that underpin the industry.
With thoughtful reflections from speakers such as Monica Kohli OBE, Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, Dave Whyte CMILT MTPS, and Reena Ranger OBE, the event was both a celebration of culture and a powerful reminder of the connections that strengthen our global maritime network.
For Waves Group, these relationships with WISTA UK and the IMA UK hold deep significance. Both organisations embody principles that align closely with Waves Group’s own, collaboration, inclusivity, and the exchange of knowledge across cultures and disciplines. By engaging actively with these networks, Waves continues to build relationships that foster understanding, innovation, and progress within the maritime sector.
From the colourful traditions and henna artistry to engaging conversations and shared food, the evening perfectly captured the spirit of community that drives our industry forward.
A heartfelt thank you to Steamship Mutual for their warm hospitality and commitment to bringing people together to celebrate the diversity that makes our sector so dynamic.

