Team Herald
PANJIM: After successfully completing an arduous 188-day trans-ocean inter-continental voyage spanning 17,000 nautical miles from Goa to Rio de Janeiro via Cape Town and back, the six-member crew of INSV Tarini was accorded a flag-in at the INS Mandovi jetty.
Appreciating the arduous journey undertaken by the INS Tarini crew, more so by the two women officers - Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, who were part of the 17,000 nautical miles of sailing, the Union Minister Smriti Irani stated that such achievements should be recorded for posterity and shared with the entire nation to encourage and motivate young boys and girls to not only join the Armed Forces but also serve the nation with pride and honour.
Adm R Hari Kumar said, “The achievement of crew in navigating through adverse weather conditions and undertaking in-house repairs whenever needed are shining examples of innovation and ingenuity which our countrymen possess.”
He said the voyage by two women officers was not an end, but a start of an Ocean of Opportunity to go and conquer the Seven Seas.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant complimented the exemplary display of valour, courage, and perseverance by the crew and highlighted the Indian Navy’s role as a pioneer agency in the country that has taken up ocean sailing in a big way. The proof of this lies in the international recognition, accolades, and laurels received by Captain Dilip Donde (Retd), Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd), and the Navika Sagar Parikrama by six women naval officers, a true display of Nari Shakti.