The completion of the voyage showcased women’s empowerment

In a momentous event marking yet another milestone in India's maritime history, INSV Tarini made a triumphant return to Indian shores as it entered Goa harbour on Tuesday (May 23, 2023). The ship arrived safely at the INS Mandovi jetty after an incredible trans-ocean inter-continental journey covering over 17,000 nautical miles over a period of 188 days.

The expedition showcased the exemplary valour, courage and perseverance of the crew, especially the two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, who participated in the entire expedition. The other participants include the onward leg crew from Goa to Rio-de-Janeiro comprising Capt Atool Sinha, Lt Cdr Ashutosh Sharma and Lt Aviral Keshav, and the return leg crew comprising Cdr Nikhil Hegde, Cdr MA Zulfikar, Cdr Divya Purohit and Cdr AC Doke.

It is worth noting that the Indian Navy has embarked on a mission to circumnavigate the globe to promote ocean sailing in a big way.

Captain Dilip Donde was the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010. Subsequently, Commander Abhilash Tomy was the first Asian skipper to participate in two circumnavigations. Recently during the Golden Globe Race 2022 (GGR), an eastbound non-stop circumnavigation race starting and finishing in Les Sables d’ Olonne France and which bars participants from using modern cutting-edge navigational equipment, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (retd) accomplished the rare feat of getting a podium finish completing the gruelling course in second position.

The Navika Sagar Parikrama by six women naval officers increased the popularity of ocean sailing within the navy and the country further.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the current sailing expedition of INSV Tarini is part of the run up towards the Navy’s next big project to send a woman to circumnavigate the globe, solo. The officers that participated in this expedition were shortlisted from volunteers after rigorous selection at the Ocean Sailing Node (OSN) which was established in 2016 with the aim of promoting and undertaking ocean sailing activities and is located at INS Mandovi. This expedition was conducted under the aegis of Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA) based at New Delhi.

INSV TARINI RECEIVES A ROUSING WELCOME

Upon INSV Tarini's arrival, a distinguished group of dignitaries, including Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani, and Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant gave the six-person crew a warm welcome.

Former captain of the Indian women's hockey team Rani Rampal, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi as well as other senior naval officials and civilian dignitaries also attended the occasion.

The event began with an audience-captivating exhibition of sailing prowess by gifted young sailors from the Naval Boys Sports Company. Afterward, a breathtaking flypast with aircraft like the Chetak, Kamov 31, Hawks, IL 38, Dornier, and MiG 29K displayed the adaptability of naval aviation systems.

In his remarks, Chief Minister Sawant emphasized the Indian Navy's pioneering role in ocean sailing and praised the crew for their remarkable bravery, bravery, and unshakable commitment. He emphasized the accomplishments of Captain Dilip Donde (Retd), Cdr. Abhilash Tomy (Retd), and the Navika Sagar Parikrama team, which included six female naval officers and garnered international acclaim, as examples of Nari Shakti's power.

Expressing admiration for Tarini crew's arduous expedition, especially the two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, who embarked on the entire 188-day, 17,000-nautical-mile voyage, Union Minister Irani emphasized the significance of documenting such achievements for posterity. She asked the country to commemorate and share these tales in order to encourage young men and women to enlist in the military and proudly and honourably defend the country.

Furthermore, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar sincerely congratulated the crew on finishing this difficult task. He applauded their ability to navigate inclement weather and their resourcefulness in making the required repairs along the road, demonstrating our countrymen's initiative and ingenuity.

Admiral Kumar stressed that this journey toward women's emancipation is not the end but rather the start of a new chapter, providing female sailors with limitless potential to explore the seven seas.

The presence of Smriti Irani, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, as the Guest of Honour, gave significance to this memorable occasion in recognition of the vessel and crew's tenacity and bravery.