NEW DELHI: Two Indian Navy women officers, Lt Commander Roopa A and Lt Commander Dilna K, are preparing to embark on a global voyage after three years of intensive training.
They will undertake this circumnavigation on the Indian naval sailing vessel (INSV) Tarini, as confirmed by Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal on Sunday.
Lt Commander Dilna K, hailing from Calicut and commissioned into the Indian Navy in June 2014, follows in the footsteps of her late father, Devadasan, who served in the Indian Army.
Lt Commander Roopa A, a native of Pondicherry who joined the Navy in June 2017, also has a military legacy with her father, Alagirisamy GP, having served in the Indian Air Force.
Commander Madhwal noted that the duo has been preparing for the 'Sagar Parikrama' expedition over the past three years.
"Sagar Parikrama would be a gruelling voyage requiring extreme skills, physical fitness and mental alertness. The officers have been training rigorously and gained thousands of miles of experience under their belt," he said.
The officers have undergone training under the mentorship of Commander Abhilash Tomy (retd), known for his achievements in the 'Golden Globe Race'.
In their preparation, they participated in a trans-oceanic expedition from Goa to Rio de Janeiro via Cape Town last year. They also completed a sailing expedition from Goa to Port Blair and another to Port Louis, Mauritius, in dual-handed mode.
According to the Navy spokesperson, the Indian Navy has focused on reviving its sailing traditions.
"Indian Navy has made significant efforts to revitalise the sailing tradition, emphasising its commitment to preserve maritime heritage and promote seamanship skills," he said.
INSV Tarini is historically significant for its first all-women crew circumnavigation in 2017. Commander Madhwal added, "Continuing with the celebration of maritime skill and adventure, two Indian Navy women officers -- Lt Commander Roopa A and Lt Commander Dilna K would be embarking on the extraordinary expedition of circumnavigating the globe onboard INSV Tarini very shortly."
The voyage aims to highlight India's growing role in maritime activities and gender equality.
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