Verem: As the INSV Tarini sailed off on the River Mandovi on its momentous circumnavigation mission, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of India, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said that the planned expedition combines ‘nari shakti’ with military diplomacy.
“The two Naval officers, Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, will fly the Indian flag at every port of call. It is a proud moment for all of us in the Indian Navy and indeed as a country,” he said.
The Navy Chief pointed out that the Naval officers will be demonstrating their seafaring skills, sense of adventure, the fearlessness, the focus and the ability to fight many tough situations during the global voyage.
“They are a great example of women empowerment and gender neutrality,” he said in his first visit to Goa after taking over the Navy Chief role in April this year.
He said that the Navy will be monitoring Dilna and Roopa’s progress on their journey.
“The expedition aims to show that two young women can circumnavigate the globe and overcome all the challenges in the deep sea. There will be many challenges that nature throws to them. The Navy has trained them for it for over three years,” said the Navy Chief.
Tripathi added that the expedition will also support research activities of the Indian Navy.
“It will benefit government institutions such as the NIO, the Defence laboratory that contributed the pre-cooked meals, as well as startups who made the equipment. However, research is not our primary goal. Our focus is on the maritime voyage. We are looking for the two voyagers to complete their circumnavigation in the pre-determined time and fly the Indian flag around the globe.”
Sailboat Tarini is equipped with the latest gadgets to aid navigation including Wi-Fi.
“Over 1.4 billion Indian hearts are praying for the young women voyagers. They need not worry. The safety, security and well-being of the women sailors are the responsibility of the Indian Navy,” said Tripathi to an audience comprising Dilna and Roopa’s parents, senior officers of the Navy and Naval wives.