11 Indian women military officers set to circumnavigate the globe
Once considered fragile and confined to the sidelines of history, India's daughters are now gearing up to rewrite the story. They’re fighting at the borders, reaching for the stars, walking on the moon—and now, they are getting ready to sail around the world.
In a groundbreaking initiative, driven by the indomitable spirit of ‘Nari Shakti’, a team of 11 women military officers is preparing for the ‘Tri-Services All Women Around The World Sailing Expedition’ – a journey that will not just be historic but will serve as an inspiration for the future generations.
With the flag-off scheduled on April 7 at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC), Mumbai, this team of 11 women—selected from a volunteer group of 41 women officers—is set to cover 4,000 nautical miles in the Indian Ocean in 55 days.
The team comprises six officers from the Indian Army including Lieutenant Colonel Anuja, Major Karamjeet, Major Tanya, Captain Omita, Captain Dauli, and Captain Prajakta; four from the Indian Air Force which includes Squadron Leader Vibha, Squadron Leader Shraddha, Squadron Leader Aruvi, Squadron Leader Vaishali; and Lieutenant Commander Priyanka representing Indian Navy.
Together, these women are ready to circumnavigate the globe, sailing through the most treacherous water bodies on earth, including the formidable Southern Ocean.
The training began from a scratch since most of the members had little to no experience in sailing. The training regimen was exhaustive including various classes of boats, mastering essential sailing skills such as navigation, meteorology, seamanship, emergency response, repair and maintenance. Team-working abilities and learning the art of delegation of duties on board and the crucial tasks of provisioning and rationing for long expeditions were also part of the process. The officers also went on several real-time expeditions from Mumbai to Goa, Kochi, Porbandar, and Lakshadweep to sharpen their real-time skills and prepare for the actual sea journey.
For the next step, the team will now board their official vessel, the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) TRIVENI, which aims to serve as both a training platform and the ship for the global journey.
The team is ready to set a world record as the first Tri-Services All-Women Team to circumnavigate the globe, a moment for national pride and global recognition.
This expedition is more than just a voyage and stands as a powerful symbol of women's empowerment and resilience. These officers are unanimously giving one powerful message—‘when women are given the opportunity, they can conquer even the roughest seas’.
This sea voyage is about breaking barriers, setting new horizons, and celebrating the unstoppable spirit of Indian women. As these brave women officers teams sail into the uncharted waters, they carry with them not only the Tricolor but also the dreams of a nation that believes in its daughters.
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