PANAJI
In yet another historic event in the maritime calendar of India, INSV Tarini touched the Indian shores as she entered Goa harbour and secured alongside the INS Mandovi jetty on successful completion of 17,000 nautical miles trans ocean inter-continental voyage after 188 days.
The six-member crew was received at the jetty by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani, Chief of the Naval Staff Adm R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command VAdm M A Hampiholi, ex-captain of Indian Women Hockey team Rani Rampal, senior officers including ex-naval chiefs.
The ‘Flag In’ ceremony commenced with a display of yachting skills by the young and promising yachtsman from the Navy Boys Sports Company. This was followed by the flypast display by the naval aviation wings comprising Chetak, Kamov 31, Hawks, IL 76, Dornier and MiG 29 K aircraft.
Speaking on the occasion, 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.
He assured the Indian Navy of continued support from the Goa government in all such initiatives.
International recognition, accolades and laurels were received by Captain Dilip Donde (Retd), Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd) & the Navika Sagar Parikrama by six Women Naval Officers “ a true display of Nari Shakti.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani appreciated the arduous journey undertaken by the Tarini crew, more so by the two women officers - Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A who were part of the entire 188 days and 17,000 nautical miles of sailing.
She said 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.
The union minister assured that Anganwadis throughout the country will learn of the courage and valour of the crew of INSV Tarini.
Chief of the Naval Staff Adm R Hari Kumar congratulated the crew members on their successful completion.
He 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 also emphasised that this voyage towards women empowerment displayed by two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa, is not an end but a start of an ocean of opportunity to go and conquer the seven seas.
INSV Tarini had undertaken the voyage from Goa to Rio de Janerio via Cape Town & back, spanning over 188 days of sailing.
