India is set to create history with an all woman team embarking on a circumnavigation of the earth. The Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman flagged off the first such expedition by the Indian Navy, ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’, at a ceremony at the INS Mandovi Boat Pool.
The six-member women crew will circumnavigate the earth on an India-built sail boat, INSV Tarini, which is being skippered by Lt Commander Vartika Joshi.
“This is not an occasion which happens once in five years or once in 10 years. It’s a historic day for India and its navigation history. Globally, I think our women stand out for doing something which most navies haven’t even thought of,” Ms. Sitharaman said, addressing a gathering on the occasion.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba were also present on the occasion. Ms. Sitharaman termed Mr. Parrikar, a former defence minister, as an “inspiring political mentor”. The minister hailed the Navy for coming out with this ambitious and arduous initiative.
Ms. Sitharaman expressed confidence the female officers would succeed in their endeavour.
“It is not just an ordinary exercise. Their (crew members’) resolve and fortitude would be tested at every moment. I am sure we will have them back here after their voyage is successfully completed.”
Later, Ms. Sitharaman told reporters, “Women are coming forward to join the forces due to their talent, skill and resolve. But whenever they require help, we are ready to provide it.”
Besides Lieutenant Commander Joshi, the other members of the Navika Sagar Parikrama team are Lt. Commander Pratibha Jamwal, Lt. P Swathi, Lt. Vijaya Devi, Lt. Payal Gupta and Lt. B Aishwarya.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Lanba said this was the first time an Indian women crew was attempting circumnavigation of the earth.
“The circumnavigation is to be covered in about 165 days at sea. During this voyage, Tarini will call at the ports of Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falklands) and Cape Town (South Africa),” he said.
“The Indian Navy has a rich tradition of encouraging adventure as a means to nurture leadership. Successful completion of expeditions by the Navy to the North Pole, the South Pole and the Mount Everest are examples of such endeavors,” he added.
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