Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the efforts of two Indian Navy officers on the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat. They are none other than Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy. (File photo)
“Two brave officers of the Indian Navy have demonstrated courage and determination during the Navika Sagar Parikrama. I would like to introduce the listeners of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to these two brave officers. One is Lieutenant Commander Dilna, and the other is Lieutenant Commander Roopa,” stated Modi. (Image: Indian Navy)
On May 21, 2018, 6 brave women of Indian Naval Services completed a grueling 254-day voyage of circumnavigating the globe, which included touching five countries, crossing the equator twice, sailing across four continents and three oceans, completing more than 21,600 nautical miles. (Image: Indian Navy)
The project Navika Sagar Parikrama became the first-ever Indian expedition steered by women sailors and went on to break many stereotypes. (Image: Instagram)
The second edition of the expedition was flagged off from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node, Goa, on October 2, 2024, with just two officers – Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy. (Image: Instagram)
Lt Cdr Roopa A is from Pondicherry. She joined the Indian Navy in June 2017. Lt Cdr Dilna K is from Kozhikode, Kerala. She was commissioned into Indian Navy in June 2014. (Image: Instagram)
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. They returned on May 29, 2025. (Image: Instagram)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the flag-in ceremony, 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. (Image: Instagram)
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi had stated, “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.” (File photo)
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