In a historic event for India’s armed forces, Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering (CME), officially launched the “Samudra Pradakshina” expedition, an all-women tri-services sailing venture, at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC) in Mumbai on Monday. This pioneering voyage features a diverse crew of 12 members drawn from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, symbolizing a powerful celebration of Nari Shakti, or women empowerment, as well as exemplifying cooperation between the different branches of the military.
The expedition, which will take place aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, is set to cover a formidable round trip of 4,000 nautical miles, stretching from Mumbai to the Seychelles and back over the course of 55 days. The crew itself is composed of six officers from the Indian Army, one officer from the Indian Navy, and four from the Indian Air Force. Their preparation for this grand endeavor involved two years of intensive training at the Army Adventure Nodal Centre for Blue Water Sailing (AANC-BWS). During this training, they successfully navigated challenging routes, including a journey from Mumbai to Lakshadweep, thus honing their skills in weather forecasting, emergency response, and long-distance sailing techniques.
During the launch ceremony, Lt Gen AK Ramesh praised the team for their bravery, dedication, and thorough preparation, calling the expedition a “shining symbol of Nari Shakti and jointmanship.” He underscored the expedition’s significance in breaking traditional gender barriers and redefining the roles of women in maritime and military spheres. Furthermore, this voyage serves as a precursor to a planned global circumnavigation in 2026, aimed at setting a world record.
The “Samudra Pradakshina” expedition pays homage to India’s historical women warriors, such as Rani Lakshmi Bai, and highlights the armed forces’ commitment to inclusivity, resilience, and excellence. Over the next two months, the crew will encounter various physical, technical, and environmental challenges while navigating the Indian Ocean, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities and strength of women within the military.
Support for the expedition has surged across social media platforms, with both netizens and officials extending their best wishes to the team for this groundbreaking journey. Many have praised the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing gender inclusivity and operational excellence within the Indian Armed Forces, echoing the message of empowerment and equality in the military domain.
