Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 4 (ANI):
In a historic milestone for gender equality and maritime achievement, a 12-member all-women crew from the Indian Armed Forces successfully completed a 55-day sailing expedition from Mumbai to Seychelles and back. The voyage, covering 4,000 nautical miles, concluded on Wednesday at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre in Colaba, Mumbai.
Flagged off on April 7, the expedition aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni marked a significant chapter in India’s naval and gender empowerment history. The team comprised officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing the collaborative strength and spirit of the Tri-Services.
Dubbed the Tri-Services All-Women Around The World Sailing Expedition, this voyage served as a preparatory phase for an even more ambitious global circumnavigation planned for 2026 under the mission titled Samudra Pradakshina.
The initiative celebrates Nari Shakti (women power) and aims to inspire greater female participation in maritime and defense sectors. The journey also paid tribute to legendary warrior queens such as Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati, and Rani Lakshmi Bai—symbols of courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Triveni, the newly inducted sailing vessel used for the expedition, was designed and built in India. It stands as a testament to the country’s advancing capabilities in constructing ocean-worthy crafts.
The crew was selected through a highly rigorous process that tested 41 aspirants for physical endurance, psychological resilience, leadership acumen, and sailing proficiency. The final 12 officers were chosen to undertake this demanding journey, which not only tested their skills but also reinforced the strength of India’s women in uniform.
The expedition was flagged off by Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering (CME), and is being widely hailed as a symbol of India’s progressive stance toward women’s empowerment and maritime leadership. (ANI)
About The Author
