A Trailblazing Voyage Begins from Mumbai
This marks a landmark moment for gender empowerment in the armed forces. The all-women Tri-Services Sailing Expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, was officially flagged off. The event took place at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre in Colaba, Mumbai, on April 7, 2025. The ceremonial send-off was led by Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering (CME).
Twelve women officers. Three services. Aboard the Indian Armed Services Vessel (IASV) Triveni, a team consists of 12 women officers. They are from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The team has begun a daring 55-day maritime journey. They will travel from Mumbai to Seychelles and back. The journey covers a total of 4,000 nautical miles.
These officers were chosen from a pool of 41 volunteers. They completed two years of intensive training in ocean navigation. Their training also included endurance sailing.
Promoting Nari Shakti on the High Seas
India is dedicated to enhancing women’s roles in military fields. It also aims to improve their roles in maritime fields. Beyond its immediate objective, the voyage serves as preparation for a more ambitious all-women global circumnavigation expedition scheduled for 2026. The team has already tackled a series of progressively challenging training missions. They have gained vital experience in handling unpredictable weather. They have also dealt with equipment failures and the physical rigours of life at sea.
A Tribute to India’s Warrior Heroines
Samudra Pradakshina is more than just a sailing expedition. It honours the spirit of India’s historic warrior queens. These queens include Rani Lakshmi Bai, Rani Velu Nachiyar, and Rani Durgavati. Their legacy of courage and resilience continues to inspire this new generation of trailblazers.
Voyage to Conclude on 30 May 2025
The return leg will conclude with a flagging-in ceremony on May 30, 2025. It marks the successful completion of a voyage that not only breaks waves but also breaks barriers. The mission is a powerful testament to the skill, strength, and spirit of Nari Shakti. It is an unstoppable force charting new paths in India’s maritime domain.
