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News18
3 days ago
- News18
PM Modi Lauds Women Naval Officers Who Sailed 50,000 Km. What Is Navika Sagar Parikrama?
Last Updated: Two women naval officers -- Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy -- returned to India after successful global circumnavigation spanning eight months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed women's empowerment in the country, especially in the armed forces, and cited the instance of two Indian Navy officers who successfully completed the circumnavigation of the globe under Navika Sagar Parikrama II. Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy returned to Goa on Thursday after culminating their eight-month voyage across four continents, three oceans, and three Great Capes. The second edition of the expedition was flagged off from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node, Goa, on October 2, 2024. The Prime Minister, while addressing a public meeting in Bhopal today, hailed their courage and said that they defeated all challenges and troubles in their way and emerged victorious. 'The brave Navy women personnel have successfully completed a voyage of oceans spanning 250 days. They visited all around the world. They did it on such a boat that does not run via motors but uses wind. We all know the storm in the oceans. The two daughters defeated all troubles like bad weather and storms of the oceans. This shows that no matter how big the challenge may be, Indian women can emerge victorious," he said. Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the flag-in ceremony on Thursday, formally marking the success of the global circumnavigation. He received the two naval officers and said that they have made the nation proud by waving the Tricolour across the world. What Is Navika Sagar Parikrama II? The two Indian Navy women officers covered a distance of around 50,000 kilometers (47,041 km) in nearly 250 days aboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. The expedition began on October 2 last year with an aim to cover over 23,400 nautical miles. The return was scheduled for May 2025. This was the second edition of the Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition that took place in 2018 with an all-women crew onboard. However, this time, only two officers featured on the vessel, who set out to cover the globe, significantly raising the challenges that may have arisen during the expedition. The expedition's route was planned with four major international stops, chosen for both practical and diplomatic reasons. The first important stop was on November 9, 2024, when INSV Tarini reached Fremantle, Australia, after a long and challenging 39-day journey covering over 4,900 nautical miles from Goa. The two officers then continued their voyage to Lyttelton, New Zealand, for their second international stop, and later continued to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, a British territory. With each stop, they had a chance to carry out maintenance, restock supplies, and take part in cultural exchanges, while also presenting India's naval strength in front of the world. Their fourth and last international stop was in Cape Town, South Africa. INSV Tarini was warmly welcomed in the country with the South African Naval Band holding a special welcome ceremony, showing the global respect the expedition had earned. From Cape Town, the vessel started its sail back to Goa on April 15, 2025.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
2 naval women officers complete circumnavigation of the world; Rajnath Singh praises them
Panaji: Two women officers of the Indian Navy dropped anchor at Goa's Mormugao Port on Thursday, completing a double-handed circumnavigation of the world in just a little over eight months. 'Yes, we made it,' said Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa A, who achieved the feat, as their yacht, Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, reached the port for the flag-in ceremony attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh. Rajnath Singh praised the two officers for facing the physical and mental obstacles head-on after setting sail on INSV Tarini on October 2, 2024, overcoming them with strength. 'You must document the experiences of this journey with the same spirit with which you completed it. Record your bitter-sweet experiences and learnings so that the future generation, especially our young women, are inspired by it,' Shri Rajnath Singh told the two officers.. 'The miraculous work done by you is not only your achievement but also our achievement as a nation,' Singh said. Commander Dilna said, 'On October 2, 2024 we left Goa with a lot of hope and courage for this expedition, and today we stand here alive and strong together, we flew our national flag and Indian Navy flag at every sea and land across the Earth. Whenever we landed, we were greeted with cheers and care, reminding us of the goodwill we have as Indians.' Commander Roopa, who 'lived all [her] seven lives in this voyage', said, 'The world of the sea is on this same planet, but it's a different whole world out there. I have seen the sea glow at night, the sky filled with galaxies, shooting stars, sheer darkness that brings the mind and body to peace. In this voyage, I found a friend feeling and a friend in myself on both I can trust in my life today. How many can?' Over eight months, the duo covered a distance of 25,400 nautical miles (approx 50,000km) across four continents, three oceans and three Great Capes, braving extreme weather conditions. According to Navy officials, the duo made port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa). The officers engaged in numerous diplomatic and outreach engagements, interacting with parliamentarians, Indian diaspora, school children, Naval cadets and university faculty across the globe. 'In a rare gesture, they were honoured as special invitees at the Western Australian Parliament in recognition of their achievements. Their accomplishments received accolades from local communities, international sailing bodies and foreign parliaments serving as a beacon of women empowerment, maritime excellence and national pride,' the Indian Navy said in a statement. The crew encountered winds upto 50 knots (93 kmph) coupled with stormy weather conditions and extremely cold temperatures during the journey, setting the ultimate test of human endurance, perseverance and sailing skills. The circumnavigation of the earth under sail was first attempted by the Navy's Capt Dilip Dhonde who became the first Indian to do so. It was followed by Commander Abhilash Tomy who became the first Indian to do so nonstop. An all-women crew of six naval women successfully completed a circumnavigation of the earth on the same sailing yacht INSV Tarini as part of the first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
"Daughters of country fulfilling their responsibility", Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauds role of women in armed forces
Vasco De Gama (Goa) [India], May 29 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday lauded the role of the women in Indian armed forces, while attending the flag in ceremony of Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, which was on out at the sea for nearly 8 months on the voyage 'Navika Sagar Parikrama II' for circumnavigating the globe, with a crew of two: Lieutenant Commander Roopa A Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. INSC Tarini arrived on the coast of Goa earlier today, completing its expedition which was flagged off from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node, Goa on October 2, 2024. The Defence Minister lauded the bravery of the Navy officers, saying that to travel 45 thousand kilometres while facing the ocean is a feat of its own. 'Around 25 thousand nautical miles, meaning around 45 thousand kilometres were travelled in 8 months, that too doing it while in the middle of the sea, is a big feat of bravery on its own,' the Defence Minister said during his speech. 'The loneliness you might have witnessed cannot be truly put into words. Here people stay with each other and feel lonely, and you people (the crew of INSV Tarini), facing the lonely sea, where one forgets about humans, and cannot see any animals either. In that situation, you have spent 8 months. I understand that you might have faced many problems,' Singh said. He highlighted the contribution of women in the armed forces. 'Today, the daughters of our country are fulfilling their responsibilities very well from the heights of Siachen to the depths of the sea. The doors of the schools of armed forces have been opened for women,' he said. Highlighting the first batch of women who passed out from the National Defence Academy (NDA), the minister added, 'This month, 17 girls have passed out from NDA. Women have had an active and effective participation in every part of the Indian Armed Forces. During Operation Sindoor, women pilots and other women soldiers have played an important role in the action against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK,' he said. Earlier on May 21, the Naval chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, interacted with the crew of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II onboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. During that time, the vessel had crossed the northern hemisphere and was homeward bound already. The Navy Chief commended the crew members' exemplary skills and team spirit, and conveyed the pride and admiration of the Indian Navy and the entire nation following their progress. 'On 20 May 2025, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi #CNS interacted with the crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama_II onboard INSV Tarini, having crossed over to the Northern Hemisphere and homeward bound on their final leg of the circumnavigation,' the Indian Navy said in a post on X. Marking the final leg of the voyage, the vessel was ceremonially flagged off from the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town, South Africa on April 15, 2025, marking its journey back home. The send-off was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Officiating Consul General of India in Cape Town, the Defence Attache of India to South Africa, members of the RCYC Governing Council, and representatives from the Indian community in Cape Town, according to an earlier statement from the Ministry of Defence. INSV Tarini started its journey on October 2, 2024, from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa. (ANI)
Mint
5 days ago
- General
- Mint
Did Rajnath Singh officially confirm women pilots' role in Operation Sindoor on terror infra in Pakistan?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday praised the exceptional role of women in the Indian Armed Forces, offering what appears to be the first official confirmation of women pilots and soldiers playing a significant part in Operation Sindoor — India's recent counter-terrorism campaign against Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "During Operation Sindoor, women pilots and other women soldiers have played an important role in the action against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK," Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. Addressing the flag-in ceremony of the Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, which completed its nearly eight-month-long circumnavigation of the globe under the voyage 'Navika Sagar Parikrama II', Rajnath Singh highlighted the bravery and dedication of the female crew members Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. The vessel reached Goa's coast earlier on Thursday, having set sail from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa on 2 October 2024. Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh commended the crew's extraordinary feat of navigating approximately 25,000 nautical miles (around 45,000 kilometres) across the vast oceans. 'To travel such a distance while facing the loneliness of the sea is a remarkable act of courage,' he remarked. Rajnath Singh empathised with the isolation endured by the sailors, noting the absence of human contact and even wildlife during their prolonged voyage. The Defence Minister emphasised the growing and vital role of women across the Indian Armed Forces. 'Today, the daughters of our country are fulfilling their responsibilities with distinction, from the heights of Siachen to the depths of the sea,' he said. He noted that military institutions have progressively opened their doors to women, citing the recent passing out of 17 women cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) this month. Most notably, Singh confirmed the active participation of women in Operation Sindoor, stating, 'During Operation Sindoor, women pilots and other women soldiers have played an important role in the action against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK.' On 21 May, Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi interacted with the INSV Tarini crew as they crossed into the Northern Hemisphere, marking the final leg of their circumnavigation. The Indian Navy praised their exemplary skills, team spirit, and the pride they brought to the nation. The vessel's return journey was ceremonially flagged off from the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town, South Africa, on 15 April, with dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora in attendance.
The Print
6 days ago
- Science
- The Print
3 oceans & a crew of 2 on historic voyage: Women Navy officers to return home after 8 months at sea
A formal 'flag-in' ceremony is scheduled to be held Thursday at the Mormugao Port Trust, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expected to preside over the event. Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A., sailing aboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, are bringing to a close the second edition of the Navy's Navika Sagar Parikrama, a pioneering expedition that marks the first-ever global circumnavigation by Indian women in a double-handed mode. The voyage was undertaken without port assistance and relied entirely on wind power for propulsion. New Delhi: After eight months of sailing across the world's three largest oceans and navigating some of the remotest and most challenging maritime zones, two Indian Navy officers are set to return to Goa Thursday, achieving a rare feat in Indian Naval history—a double-handed circumnavigation under sail. The expedition began on 2 October last year from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa. Over the course of eight months, the officers covered a distance of 25,400 nautical miles (approximately 50,000 kilometres), sailing across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and successfully rounding the three key capes recognised in global circumnavigation—Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. The Navy confirmed that the mission adhered to all international circumnavigation norms, including crossing all meridians and returning to the starting point. An official said that INSV Tarini encountered at least three cyclones and passed near 'Point Nemo', the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, often described as the remotest location on Earth's oceans. The duo sailed through sub-zero temperatures, persistent rain and wind speeds touching 50 knots, with waves rising over five metres. Additionally, in mid-February, the vessel crossed Cape Horn, located just over 800 kilometres from Antarctica, a milestone known in sailing circles for its unpredictable and often dangerous conditions. Completing this leg under sail earned the officers the recognition of 'Cape Horners', a designation historically reserved for seafarers who successfully round Cape Horn without engine assistance. The officers' achievement has drawn particular attention, not just for the endurance it required, but also for the preparation behind it. Both were mentored and trained under Commodore Abhilash Tomy (Retd), a decorated naval sailor and solo circumnavigator who had made global headlines in 2023 after winning the Golden Globe Race—one of the most challenging solo sailing races in the world. Tomy's experience in ocean sailing, including surviving a near-fatal accident in the 2018 edition of the same race, was key in shaping the officers' readiness for high-risk offshore sailing. Also Read: Indian Navy flexes muscle in Arabian Sea with long-range precision anti-ship missile firings Diplomatic outreach, scientific objectives During their expedition, the officers made four port calls—Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa). These stops, though not for assistance, were used for diplomatic outreach events organised by Indian embassies and missions. The officers interacted with students, naval cadets, academics and members of the Indian diaspora. The Navy said that in Fremantle, the duo was also honoured as special invitees at the Western Australian Parliament. Beyond sailing, the expedition also included scientific objectives. In collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography and the Wildlife Institute of India, the officers collected data on marine microplastics, ferrous content in seawater and documented sightings of large sea mammals, contributing valuable information to marine research. This mission follows the first Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017-18, which saw a six-member all-woman Indian Navy crew circumnavigate the globe aboard the same vessel, INSV Tarini. The current expedition pushed the limits further by scaling down to a two-member crew, intensifying both the physical and operational demands of the voyage. The Navy has further described the mission as a significant milestone in its efforts to foster gender inclusivity and leadership roles for women in operational domains. Both officers have undergone advanced training in navigation, meteorology and seamanship and were selected after multiple rounds of sea trials and evaluations. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: India to get HawkEye 360 tech from the US. Here's how it spots 'dark vessels'
