Samudra Pradakshina
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: PIB
Context: Defence Minister of India virtually flagged off ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, from the Gateway of India, Mumbai.
About Samudra Pradakshina:
• What it is? Samudra Pradakshina is India’s first-ever tri-service (Army, Navy, Air Force) all-women circumnavigation expedition. It involves sailing around the globe, crossing all longitudes and major oceans, meeting the World Sailing Speed Record Council’s norms for a true circumnavigation.
• Samudra Pradakshina is India’s first-ever tri-service (Army, Navy, Air Force) all-women circumnavigation expedition.
• It involves sailing around the globe, crossing all longitudes and major oceans, meeting the World Sailing Speed Record Council’s norms for a true circumnavigation.
• Historical Context:
• Builds on India’s rich circumnavigation legacy: Capt. Dilip Donde (2009–10) – first solo Indian circumnavigation. Cmde. Abhilash Tomy (2012–13) – first Indian non-stop circumnavigation. INSV Tarini – Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18) & Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25) by all-women Indian Navy teams. Inspired by global pioneers like Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (1969).
• Builds on India’s rich circumnavigation legacy: Capt. Dilip Donde (2009–10) – first solo Indian circumnavigation. Cmde. Abhilash Tomy (2012–13) – first Indian non-stop circumnavigation. INSV Tarini – Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18) & Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25) by all-women Indian Navy teams.
• Capt. Dilip Donde (2009–10) – first solo Indian circumnavigation.
• Cmde. Abhilash Tomy (2012–13) – first Indian non-stop circumnavigation.
• INSV Tarini – Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18) & Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25) by all-women Indian Navy teams.
• Inspired by global pioneers like Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (1969).
• Aims & Objectives:
• Symbol of Nari Shakti: Showcase courage, resilience, and leadership of women in uniform. Promote Jointness: Strengthen synergy among Army, Navy, and Air Force. Diplomatic Outreach: Use port calls as platforms for military diplomacy & cultural exchange. Scientific Research: Collaborate with NIO to study micro-plastics, ocean biodiversity, and marine health.
• Symbol of Nari Shakti: Showcase courage, resilience, and leadership of women in uniform.
• Promote Jointness: Strengthen synergy among Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Diplomatic Outreach: Use port calls as platforms for military diplomacy & cultural exchange.
• Scientific Research: Collaborate with NIO to study micro-plastics, ocean biodiversity, and marine health.
• Key Features:
• Vessel: IASV Triveni, a 50-foot indigenous yacht (Class A) built in Puducherry. Route: ~26,000 nautical miles, easterly route, crossing Equator twice, rounding Capes Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope. Crew: 10 women officers, led by Lt Col Anuja Varudkar (Army) & Sqn Ldr Shraddha P Raju (IAF). Timeline: Sept 2025 – May 2026.
• Vessel: IASV Triveni, a 50-foot indigenous yacht (Class A) built in Puducherry.
• Route: ~26,000 nautical miles, easterly route, crossing Equator twice, rounding Capes Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope.
• Crew: 10 women officers, led by Lt Col Anuja Varudkar (Army) & Sqn Ldr Shraddha P Raju (IAF).
• Timeline: Sept 2025 – May 2026.
• Significance:
• Women Empowerment: First global tri-service women-led expedition → milestone for gender inclusion in armed forces. Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Showcases Indian shipbuilding and seamanship capabilities. Strategic Messaging: Demonstrates India’s maritime ambition & global engagement.
• Women Empowerment: First global tri-service women-led expedition → milestone for gender inclusion in armed forces.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Showcases Indian shipbuilding and seamanship capabilities.
• Strategic Messaging: Demonstrates India’s maritime ambition & global engagement.