Discover the Inspiring Journey of 10 Fearless Indian Women Officers Circumnavigating the Globe in Just 9 Months – Bharat Speaks

India is making waves with a historic sea journey. Ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force have set out on a remarkable 9-month circumnavigation of the globe. Their mission, dubbed ‘Samudra Pradakshina,’ is aboard the Indian Armed Services Vessel (IASV) Triveni, which was made right here in India.

Flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Gateway of India, this journey marks the world’s first all-women, tri-service circumnavigation. Covering an impressive 26,000 nautical miles, they will cross the Equator twice and navigate through some of the toughest ocean regions on the planet.

Singh hailed the mission as a display of “Nari Shakti in uniform” and emphasized India’s growing maritime strengths. He noted that this journey signifies more than just sailing; it’s a significant step in India’s maritime evolution.

The officers aboard the 50-foot IASV Triveni will head east, traversing tricky waters like the Drake Passage and the Southern Ocean. They’ll visit several stops, including Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada), and Cape Town (South Africa), before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.

This adventure also meets rigorous sailing standards, as they aim to navigate at least 21,600 nautical miles without using engines or canals, covering all longitudes while crossing the Equator twice.

The crew includes:

• Lt Col Anuja Varudkar – Expedition Leader
• Sqn Ldr Shraddha P. Raju – Deputy Leader
• Major Karamjeet Kaur
• Major Omita Dalvi
• Captain Prajakta P. Nikam
• Captain Dauli Butola
• Lt Cdr Priyanka Gusain
• Wing Cdr Vibha Singh
• Sqn Ldr Aruvi Jayadev
• Sqn Ldr Vaishali Bhandari

These officers have prepared intensively for three years, moving from small trips to international missions, including a recent journey from Mumbai to Seychelles and back.

Singh described the voyage as a “spiritual sadhana,” blending discipline and courage, embodying India’s vision of a developed nation. This expedition showcases not only India’s aspirations but also its capabilities in building ships domestically.

Here are a few key highlights of this unique mission:

• A trailblazer for women in the armed forces
• Enhances India’s global maritime presence
• Inspires young women to break barriers
• Showcases India’s indigenous shipbuilding skills

As these brave officers venture into uncharted waters, they inspire countless others, proving that Indian women are not just protectors of the nation but also explorers of the seas.

Women’s representation in various fields is growing, and this journey is a testament to that progress. According to a recent survey from the International Maritime Organization, only about 2% of the world’s maritime workforce is female. This voyage not only breaks that mold but sets a new standard, showcasing that women can lead in every arena, including maritime exploration.

With social media buzzing with support, reactions have ranged from admiration to encouragement, proving that the world is ready to celebrate women’s achievements. These officers are more than just sailors; they are symbols of strength and determination for everyone watching.

For more on India’s growing maritime initiatives, you can access the official report from the [Indian Ministry of Defence](https://mod.gov.in).

Source link