INSV Tarini and her all-women crew were greeted by many on their return to Goa’s shores. After riding the high and stormy seas, the yacht arrived in Goa on Monday, 21st May 2018. It was a triumphant return for the 6 women that undertook the expedition titled ‘‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’ with the aim of ‘empowering women to attain their full potential’.
The 56-foot yacht left Goa with her 6 members all-women crew on 11th September last year. They have since circumnavigated the globe over a period of 8 months. Something that had never been attempted before. The 6 women crew, all officers in the Indian Navy, made maritime history with their round-the-world voyage. The crew called at 4 ports along the way, in Australia, New Zealand, the Falkland Islands and South Africa.
Over the past 8 months, they faced many challenges like rough seas, high stormy conditions, and severely cold temperatures. But they persevered and managed to collect all kinds of meteorological, ocean, wave, and marine pollution data.
Upon their return, the crew was given a grand welcome and felicitated at the Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa.
Taj Fort Aguada welcomes the crew of INSV – Tarini with a grand celebration
In the presence of senior dignitaries and high-ranking naval officials, the management of the Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa, felicitated the all women crew.
Led by skipper Lt Cdr Vartika Joshi, Lt CdrPratibha Jamwal, Lt Aishwarya Boddapati, Lt Patarapalli Swathi, Lt S Vijaya Devi and Lt Payal Gupta were given silver medals and floral bouquets as tokens for their successful expedition. Lt Cdr Vartika Joshi and her team presented a video showcasing their journey across the globe.
People present at the event showed their appreciation by saying a few kind words. The area director – Taj Goa, Mr. Vincent Ramos had this to say, “We are extremely honored and delighted to be hosting the welcome ceremony for an organization as prestigious as the Indian Navy. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the team for accomplishing such an amazing journey and wish them the very best for many more milestones to come.”
The chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lamba was also full of praise for the women officers. He stated that the crew had done the country proud not only in showing the Indian Flag at distant shores but also in demonstrating the seafaring capability of Indian women. “The courage and determination displayed by the six women crew members of INS Tarini is an encouragement for the women of future generations.”
The ceremony ended with an interaction between the INSV Tarini members and the crowd.
Information credit – The Navhind Times
ItsGoa/MAY/KDGP
