Latest news with #KavithaVasupalli
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Risky situations fail to dissuade Major Kavitha from rafting forward!
Visakhapatnam: Breaking stereotypes and braving the odds, Medical Officer of Indian Army Major Kavitha Vasupalli embarked upon a horrendous journey laced with life-threatening risks and insurmountable challenges. Spanning 1,040-km from the Indo-Tibetan border, Arunachal Pradesh to the Indo-Bangladesh border, she took part in a historic and daring river rafting expedition along the Brahmaputra River. Led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, director NIMAS, a Tenzing Norgay awardee, the expedition is considered equivalent in challenge to summiting Mount Everest in the adventure space. Apparently, Maj Kavitha turned out to be the only woman participant in this world-record journey that began in the month of February. She successfully summited Mt. Gori Chen, the highest climbable peak in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite rough weather conditions, she rendered emergency medical aid to a fellow climber at high altitude. Serving the Indian Army from 2021, Kavitha, a native of nondescript village of Metturu, pursued her MBBS at Government Medical College in Srikakulam district. Apart from getting awarded with Chief of Army Staff commendation 2025, Major Kavitha was honoured with Vishisht Seva Medal on the Republic Day this year for her exemplary courage, service and dedication. Her name gained an entry into the World Book of Records (London) for this achievement. After wrapping up the outstanding feat along with the team, Kavitha met Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer. Heaping praise on her, the Governor said, 'We often hear spiritual or geographical tales of the Brahmaputra, but this is the first time I've heard of an adventurous story of battle and bravery on its waters. Major Kavitha's adventure is one of sheer determination and grit. She has brought pride to Andhra Pradesh and to every Indian who takes pride in the Armed Forces. The Governor encouraged Kavitha to continue inspiring others and keep bringing honour to the state and country. Sharing her experience, Kavitha recalled, 'The Brahmaputra was magnificent. But it's also merciless. One day, a giant wave had hit us with such force that our raft flipped. In those few seconds, we were completely underwater, unsure of whether we would be alive or not. But we didn't panic as we trusted our training. We held on to each other and eventually survived. That moment showed me how thin the line is between life and death and how powerful courage and calmness could be.' Fond of swimming since childhood, Kavitha says, 'I'm a girl from a remote village in Srikakulam. If I could make it, so can anyone,' she adds.
Hans India
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Kavitha creates history in river rafting expedition
New Delhi/Srikakulam: In a remarkable display of courage and endurance, Major Kavitha Vasupalli, a medical officer in the Indian Army, has made history as the sole woman participant in a world-record-setting Brahmaputra river rafting expedition. The team navigated a staggering 1,040 kilometre in just 28 days, travelling from Gelling village near the Indo-Tibetan border to Hatsingimari, close to the Indo-Bangladesh border. A native of Metturu village in Srikakulam district, Major Kavitha faced formidable challenges. She braved Grade 4+ rapids, freezing waters, and multiple raft flips. Undeterred by nature's fury, she demonstrated not only incredible physical resilience but also immense mental fortitude. This journey was a battle against the river's wildest forces, demanding peak physical fitness and unwavering emotional and mental endurance. Major Kavitha's journey represents the spirit of the modern Indian soldier: bold, compassionate, and unstoppable. In recognition of her selfless service and indomitable spirit, she was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal on Republic Day 2025. She also received the COAS Commendation Card for her life-saving medical actions during the Mt. Gorichen summit expedition. Her participation in the expedition is an inspiration, particularly for women in rural India, proving that courage knows no gender and grit has no boundaries. The historic expedition was led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, a renowned adventurer, Tenzing Norgay Awardee, and a three-time Everest summiteer. As the director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), his leadership was instrumental in turning the journey into a landmark achievement in global adventure sports. World Book of Records, London, also gave a certificate of participation in the adventurous journey in Brahmaputra to her. Kavitha's name was entered in World Book of Records in March 2025 for her achievement for the river rafting expedition.
