Latest news with #IndianNavalSailingVessel
News18
31-05-2025
- News18
PM Modi Lauds Women Naval Officers Who Sailed 50,000 Km. What Is Navika Sagar Parikrama?
Last Updated: Two women naval officers -- Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy -- returned to India after successful global circumnavigation spanning eight months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed women's empowerment in the country, especially in the armed forces, and cited the instance of two Indian Navy officers who successfully completed the circumnavigation of the globe under Navika Sagar Parikrama II. Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy returned to Goa on Thursday after culminating their eight-month voyage across four continents, three oceans, and three Great Capes. The second edition of the expedition was flagged off from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node, Goa, on October 2, 2024. The Prime Minister, while addressing a public meeting in Bhopal today, hailed their courage and said that they defeated all challenges and troubles in their way and emerged victorious. 'The brave Navy women personnel have successfully completed a voyage of oceans spanning 250 days. They visited all around the world. They did it on such a boat that does not run via motors but uses wind. We all know the storm in the oceans. The two daughters defeated all troubles like bad weather and storms of the oceans. This shows that no matter how big the challenge may be, Indian women can emerge victorious," he said. Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the flag-in ceremony on Thursday, formally marking the success of the global circumnavigation. He received the two naval officers and said that they have made the nation proud by waving the Tricolour across the world. What Is Navika Sagar Parikrama II? The two Indian Navy women officers covered a distance of around 50,000 kilometers (47,041 km) in nearly 250 days aboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. The expedition began on October 2 last year with an aim to cover over 23,400 nautical miles. The return was scheduled for May 2025. This was the second edition of the Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition that took place in 2018 with an all-women crew onboard. However, this time, only two officers featured on the vessel, who set out to cover the globe, significantly raising the challenges that may have arisen during the expedition. The expedition's route was planned with four major international stops, chosen for both practical and diplomatic reasons. The first important stop was on November 9, 2024, when INSV Tarini reached Fremantle, Australia, after a long and challenging 39-day journey covering over 4,900 nautical miles from Goa. The two officers then continued their voyage to Lyttelton, New Zealand, for their second international stop, and later continued to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, a British territory. With each stop, they had a chance to carry out maintenance, restock supplies, and take part in cultural exchanges, while also presenting India's naval strength in front of the world. Their fourth and last international stop was in Cape Town, South Africa. INSV Tarini was warmly welcomed in the country with the South African Naval Band holding a special welcome ceremony, showing the global respect the expedition had earned. From Cape Town, the vessel started its sail back to Goa on April 15, 2025.
India Today
29-05-2025
- India Today
Rajnath Singh to welcome women-led INSV Tarini in Goa today after historic voyage
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the flag-in ceremony of INSV Tarini at Mormugao Port today, as the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel returns after completing an eight-month circumnavigation of the globe. The vessel, managed by two women officers, marks a milestone in the Indian Navy's maritime the event in Goa, the Defence Minister will go onboard INS Vikrant on May 30. The aircraft carrier, currently operating in the Arabian Sea, played a key role in Operation Sindoor. According to sources, the Defence Minister will interact with Navy personnel aboard Vikrant during his Tarini was flagged off by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa on October 2 last year. The vessel sailed over 25,400 nautical miles (approximately 50,000 km) across four continents, three oceans, and three Great the journey in double-handed mode, Lieutenant Commanders Roopa A and Dilna K navigated the globe using only wind power and sails.'Over a period of eight months, the naval duo (now famously called '#DilRoo') covered a distance of 25,400 nautical miles (approximately 50,000 km) across four continents, three oceans and three Great Capes, braving extreme weather conditions and challenging seas, relying solely on sails and wind power,' a Navy spokesperson said to news agency their voyage, the officers made port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa), and participated in outreach programmes engaging with parliamentarians, Indian diaspora, school children, naval cadets, and academic Navy praised the mission as a symbol of India's maritime capabilities and a celebration of women's empowerment. 'The expedition symbolises India's maritime endeavours, showcasing the nation's prominence in global maritime activities and Indian Navy's commitment to excellence and 'Nari Shakti', signifying the motto 'Courageous Hearts Boundless Seas',' the spokesperson sailors crossed the dangerous Cape of Good Hope despite facing continuous rain, high-speed winds, and massive waves. Recently, Admiral Tripathi interacted with the crew and commended their courage and the mission as a 'defining chapter in India's maritime history,' the Navy said, 'The crew exemplified the spirit of exploration, showcasing seafaring skills at a global stage. It has been a journey of empowerment, innovation and commitment to India's maritime heritage charting new paths for a brighter and empowered future. It reaffirms the Indian Navy's pledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility across the vast expanse of the world's oceans.'With PTI Watch advertisementIN THIS STORY#Rajnath Singh#Goa
The Print
28-05-2025
- Science
- The Print
3 oceans & a crew of 2 on historic voyage: Women Navy officers to return home after 8 months at sea
A formal 'flag-in' ceremony is scheduled to be held Thursday at the Mormugao Port Trust, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expected to preside over the event. Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A., sailing aboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, are bringing to a close the second edition of the Navy's Navika Sagar Parikrama, a pioneering expedition that marks the first-ever global circumnavigation by Indian women in a double-handed mode. The voyage was undertaken without port assistance and relied entirely on wind power for propulsion. New Delhi: After eight months of sailing across the world's three largest oceans and navigating some of the remotest and most challenging maritime zones, two Indian Navy officers are set to return to Goa Thursday, achieving a rare feat in Indian Naval history—a double-handed circumnavigation under sail. The expedition began on 2 October last year from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa. Over the course of eight months, the officers covered a distance of 25,400 nautical miles (approximately 50,000 kilometres), sailing across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and successfully rounding the three key capes recognised in global circumnavigation—Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. The Navy confirmed that the mission adhered to all international circumnavigation norms, including crossing all meridians and returning to the starting point. An official said that INSV Tarini encountered at least three cyclones and passed near 'Point Nemo', the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, often described as the remotest location on Earth's oceans. The duo sailed through sub-zero temperatures, persistent rain and wind speeds touching 50 knots, with waves rising over five metres. Additionally, in mid-February, the vessel crossed Cape Horn, located just over 800 kilometres from Antarctica, a milestone known in sailing circles for its unpredictable and often dangerous conditions. Completing this leg under sail earned the officers the recognition of 'Cape Horners', a designation historically reserved for seafarers who successfully round Cape Horn without engine assistance. The officers' achievement has drawn particular attention, not just for the endurance it required, but also for the preparation behind it. Both were mentored and trained under Commodore Abhilash Tomy (Retd), a decorated naval sailor and solo circumnavigator who had made global headlines in 2023 after winning the Golden Globe Race—one of the most challenging solo sailing races in the world. Tomy's experience in ocean sailing, including surviving a near-fatal accident in the 2018 edition of the same race, was key in shaping the officers' readiness for high-risk offshore sailing. Also Read: Indian Navy flexes muscle in Arabian Sea with long-range precision anti-ship missile firings Diplomatic outreach, scientific objectives During their expedition, the officers made four port calls—Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa). These stops, though not for assistance, were used for diplomatic outreach events organised by Indian embassies and missions. The officers interacted with students, naval cadets, academics and members of the Indian diaspora. The Navy said that in Fremantle, the duo was also honoured as special invitees at the Western Australian Parliament. Beyond sailing, the expedition also included scientific objectives. In collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography and the Wildlife Institute of India, the officers collected data on marine microplastics, ferrous content in seawater and documented sightings of large sea mammals, contributing valuable information to marine research. This mission follows the first Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017-18, which saw a six-member all-woman Indian Navy crew circumnavigate the globe aboard the same vessel, INSV Tarini. The current expedition pushed the limits further by scaling down to a two-member crew, intensifying both the physical and operational demands of the voyage. The Navy has further described the mission as a significant milestone in its efforts to foster gender inclusivity and leadership roles for women in operational domains. Both officers have undergone advanced training in navigation, meteorology and seamanship and were selected after multiple rounds of sea trials and evaluations. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: India to get HawkEye 360 tech from the US. Here's how it spots 'dark vessels'
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
INSV Kaundinya: Navy revives maritime heritage with stitched ship inspired by Ajanta mural
The Indian Navy has formally inducted the ancient-style stitched sail ship, naming it INSV Kaundinya, a vessel modelled on a 5th-century CE depiction of a ship in the Ajanta Caves. The induction ceremony took place on May 21, with officials stating that the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) will be based in Karwar. The ship is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. Navy officials said the vessel is emblematic of India's rich maritime traditions, symbolising centuries of exploration, trade, and cultural dialogue across the seas. The vessel will now prepare for a transoceanic voyage tracing an ancient maritime route from Gujarat to Oman, slated for later this year. Inspired by Ajanta's Maritime Imagery The inspiration for the vessel comes from Cave 2 at Ajanta in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the 30 rock-cut caves, six preserve murals from the early centuries of the Common Era. The mural in Cave 2 features a large merchant vessel with a high stem and stern, three oblong sails attached to masts, and steering oars. 'This is one of the earliest surviving paintings that narrates the tale of India's international sea trade,' said an official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 'It is a vivid testimony of ancient Indian maritime activity.' The Ajanta murals largely illustrate Jataka Katha (stories from the Buddha's past lives) and Avadana Katha (narratives of heroic virtue). Art historian Saili K. Palande-Datar, who has studied Ajanta for over a decade, identified the ship painting as part of the Purna Avadana, a mythical Buddhist narrative. The Tale of Purna and Bhavila 'The painting of the ship that inspired the design of Kaundinya is from Purna Avadana Katha,' Ms. Palande-Datar said. 'It is the story of two brothers, Purna and Bhavila, sons of a rich merchant and a slave woman from Shurparaka—modern-day Nalasopara, two hours from Mumbai.' Owing to their illegitimacy, the brothers were excluded from their father's inheritance. They took to maritime trade and became successful sea-faring merchants. After six successful voyages, Purna encountered traders from Shravasti, in ancient times the capital of the Kosala kingdom, is now located within present day Uttar Pradesh, who introduced him to Buddhism. 'Purna was deeply moved by their accounts of the Buddha and chose to stay back in the Konkan region, then called Sunaparanta, to spread the teachings of Buddhism,' said Ms. Palande-Datar. 'Meanwhile, Bhavila set out on a seventh voyage to the island of Goshaila, famed for its sandalwood.' As per the narrative, the island was guarded by a supernatural being, Maheshwarayaksha, who, angered by the tree-felling, summoned storms to destroy the ship. In desperation, Bhavila prayed to his brother. Purna miraculously appeared, saved the ship, and pacified the guardian spirit. 'This entire tale is depicted in the Ajanta mural and directly inspired the Navy's ship design,' she added. On returning to the western coast, the brothers are said to have built a vihara (monastery) from the sandalwood. 'It is said the Buddha was so impressed by Purna's devotion that he journeyed from Shravasti to Nalasopara to meet him,' Ms. Palande-Datar noted. 'These tales serve to reinforce the religious significance of the region.' Ajanta's Cultural Legacy The Purna Avadana mural, dated to the 5th century CE, is one of many intricate paintings at Ajanta that reflect India's classical age. Executed under the Vakataka dynasty - contemporaries of the Guptas - the murals depict royal courts, gardens, wildlife, and celestial beings such as Garudas and Nagas, showcasing the material and spiritual culture of the period. 'These murals were painted using natural colours derived from mineral stones,' Ms. Palande-Datar said. 'They capture the opulence, urbanity, and rich symbolism of what can rightly be termed a golden age of Indian civilisation.' With the commissioning of INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy has not only revived a historical shipbuilding technique but also paid homage to a long and storied maritime tradition embedded in India's civilisational memory.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
22-05-2025
- General
- First Post
INSV Kaundinya: Indian Navy's ‘stitched ship' inspired by 5th century Ajanta painting
The Indian Navy on Wednesday inducted INSV Kaundinya, a stitched sail ship based on a fifth-century ship showcased in a painting in the Ajanta Caves. Built using traditional stitching techniques, the vessel is named after an ancient Indian mariner whose love story led to the birth of a kingdom read more The Indian Navy has inducted a 'stitched sail ship', named Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, at a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Karnataka's Karwar. The vessel is modelled on a 5th-century ship showcased in a painting in the Ajanta Caves. The ship is set for a historic transoceanic voyage, traversing the ancient trade route from Gujarat to Oman, according to the Indian Navy. The vessel, with a 15-member crew of the Indian Navy on board, will embark on the journey later this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's everything to know about the stitched ship. Features of INSV Kaundinya INSV Kaundinya, the stitched ship, boasts square sails and steering oars, which are 'entirely alien to modern-day ships', as per the Indian Navy. These oars control the steering of the ship, which is reportedly equipped with a main mast, mizzen mast and bowsprit mast. INSV Kaundinya is adorned with culturally significant features. 'Her [the ship's] sails display motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun, her bow bears a sculpted Simha Yali, and a symbolic Harappan style stone anchor adorns her deck, each element evoking the rich maritime traditions of ancient India,' the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The vessel was built using traditional stitching techniques by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. 'Over several months, the team painstakingly stitched wooden planks on the ship's hull using coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin,' the ministry's statement read. Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, told Indian Express that the ship has 'trailing oars, square sails and a flexible hull. It does not have rudders. In modern sailing, usually, triangular sails are used. There are some advantages, but many disadvantages, because you have to basically sail with the wind. So, it is important to recognise that when we attempt to sail it, we will have to relearn the art of sailing with square sails.' The project, which is aimed at exhibiting India's maritime heritage, is being implemented through a tripartite agreement between the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture and Goa-based shipbuilding company Hodi Innovations (OPC) Private Ltd. The Indian Navy monitored the ship's design, technical validation, and construction process. 'With no surviving blueprints of such vessels, the design had to be inferred from iconographic sources. The Navy collaborated with the shipbuilder to recreate the hull form and traditional rigging, and ensured that the design was validated through hydrodynamic model testing at the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, and internal technical assessment,' the defence ministry said in the statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD INSV Kaundinya's keel laying happened in September 2023, and it was launched in February in Goa. The formal induction of INSV Kaundinya into the Indian Navy is historical and significant for India's maritime heritage. 'This is not just the launch of a vessel—it is the launch of heritage. A symbolic act that echoes across centuries, marking the resurgence of India's maritime legacy and reaffirming our deep and enduring ties with the Indian Ocean world,' Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was the chief guest at the induction ceremony on Wednesday (May 21), wrote on X. A historic moment for Bharat and our civilisational pride. Presided over the induction ceremony of the Ancient Stitched Ship INSV Kaundinya at Karwar Naval Base today—an extraordinary recreation of a 5th-century vessel, inspired by Ajanta murals and handcrafted by Kerala's… — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) May 21, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How INSV Kaundinya got its name INSV Kaundinya is named after a legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. More than 2000 years ago, the Indian merchant Kaundinya reached the Mekong Delta (southern Vietnam ), along with a crew of Indians, during his sailing venture. The Indian merchant vessel on which they were aboard was attacked by pirates, who were defeated by Kaundinya. However, the vessel was damaged and had to be beached for repairs, as per an Indian Express report. A local clan, led by warrior queen Soma, encircled the Indian crew, who were outnumbered. Legend has it that a confrontation ensued between them. However, the conflict did not last long as Soma, belonging to the Naga clan, fell in love with Kaundinya and proposed marriage. The couple later went on to establish the royal dynasty of Funan. Kaundinya and Soma established the Funan dynasty. Wikimedia Commons Speaking to Indian Express, Sanyal said, 'Kaundinya and Soma set up a dynasty that went on to form the first Indianised Kingdom in what is now Cambodia/South Vietnam. This is corroborated by Chinese sources. All the future dynasties of the Khmer and Chams of Vietnam… to this day… trace their lineage to this marriage.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
