NEW DELHI: Interacting with the two women naval officers who are currently undertaking the gruelling round-the-world sailing expedition, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the govt was committed to the vision of gender-inclusive armed forces, encouraging more young women to aspire for careers in defence and adventure sports.
In a video-conference with lieutenant commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, who are currently in the South Atlantic Ocean on their Navika Sagar Parikrama II, Singh said their “courageous ongoing journey” aboard INSV Tarini, tackling the immense challenge of circumnavigating the globe, stands as “a beacon of Nari Shakti“.
“Their unwavering resilience, calm demeanour, and meticulous approach during extended periods of harsh maritime conditions, while traversing thousands of nautical miles, exemplify the exceptional capabilities of women today,” he said, on the eve of International Women’s Day, along with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
The minister also acknowledged the “invaluable role of women in bolstering national security” and reaffirmed the govt’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the defence sector.
Singh congratulated the two women for the remarkable milestones of crossing Point Nemo, the world’s most isolated waters, and sailing through the Drake Passage, one of the most treacherous water bodies.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II is a flagship initiative of the Indian Navy. “It symbolises India’s resolve to encourage women’s participation in maritime and defence sectors, fostering leadership and self-reliance. The two women officers underwent rigorous training in navigation, weather management, and ocean survival techniques before undertaking this prestigious journey, which was flagged off by the Navy chief on Oct 2 at Goa,” an officer said.