Mumbai, April 7 (ANI): A tri-services all-women expedition has been flagged off from Mumbai for Seychelles, comprising a team of 11 officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Speaking to the media, Colonel Venu Raman shared that the proposal for the expedition was first introduced in 2022. Initially, 42 volunteers were selected and trained over a period of two years. The final team was narrowed down to 11 officers who underwent intensive training on all classes of boats along the western coast, including Porbandar, Kochi, and Goa.
“The Seychelles expedition will be their first international exposure, preparing them for long-distance sailing without stops, as they are expected to sail continuously for 20–25 days,” he said. “It will also familiarize them with the formalities of foreign ports,” he added.
Colonel Raman made a significant announcement: “We are training these officers for a world circumnavigation planned for mid-August 2025. It will be conducted in various legs—from Mumbai to Australia, then to New Zealand, from there to the Falklands, onward to Cape Town, and finally back to Mumbai. This is the prelude to the major event of circumnavigation.”
Highlighting the challenges of circumnavigation, he noted, “It’s a very difficult feat. Men have done it, so why not women? This is our opportunity to train them and for them to prove their mettle.”
He emphasized that the expedition aligns with the themes of Nari Shakti and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Speaking to the media, Captain Dhauli, the skipper of the expedition, said, “Today, we are sailing from Mumbai to Seychelles. This is our first international expedition. We will navigate in deep waters, away from land for days or even weeks, and will test our endurance and navigation skills. The mission of this expedition is circumnavigation, which is our final goal.”
She explained the four conditions for a successful circumnavigation: crossing all major capes, crossing the equator twice, crossing all longitudes in the same direction, and covering a minimum distance of 21,600 nautical miles.
“The aim of this expedition is to showcase the strength of women empowerment,” she added.
Her husband, who is also a captain, said, “This is the first international expedition of their boat, Triveni. We came here to support her, and we wish her and the entire team all the best for the great laurels that lie ahead.”
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