In yet another historic event in maritime calendar of India, INSV Tarini touched Indian shores as she entered Goa harbour and secured alongside INS Mandovi jetty on successful completion of a 17000nm trans-ocean inter-continental voyage after 188 days. The six-member crew was received at jetty by Dr. Pramod Sawant, CM of Goa, Smt Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS. VAdm MA Hampiholi, FOCINC, SNC, Ms. Rani Rampal, former Captain of Indian women’s hockey team and a host of senior naval officers, enthusiastic members of naval community and civilian dignitaries were also present.
The ‘Flag In’ ceremony commenced with a magnificent display of yachting skills by young and promising yachtsman of Navy Boys Sports Company followed by a marvelous flypast by versatile naval aviation platforms such as the Chetak, Kamov31, Hawks, IL38, Dornier and MiG29K aircraft. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pramod Sawant complimented exemplary display of valour, courage and perseverance by the crew and highlighted Indian Navy’s role as a pioneer in country in ocean sailing, as exemplified by international accolades received by Captain Dilip Donde (Retd), Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd) and Navika Sagar Parikrama team of six women naval officers, a true display of Nari Shakti.
Appreciating the arduous expedition of the Tarini crew, more so by two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A who were part of entire 188 days and 17000nm of sailing, Smt Smriti Irani stated that such achievements should be recorded for posterity and shared with entire nation to encourage and motivate young boys and girls to not only join armed forces, but also serve nation with pride and honour.
Adm R Hari Kumar congratulated crew on its successful completion of a challenging endeavor. The achievement of crew in undertaking in-house repairs are shining examples of innovation and ingenuity, he added. He also emphasized that this voyage towards women empowerment is not an end, but the start of a new phase of providing an ocean of opportunities to female sailors to conquer seven seas.
