INSV Tarini, the Indian Navy’s flagship sailing vessel, recently arrived in Fremantle, Australia, after a 39-day voyage spanning nearly 5,000 nautical miles. This marks a significant milestone as the ship's first international stop during its mission to circumnavigate the globe.
The journey holds particular importance as part of India’s Sagar Parikrama initiative, a diplomatic effort to showcase the country’s maritime influence. However, beyond the Navy’s international outreach, the mission is a milestone for women in India’s armed forces.
INSV Tarini, led by an all-women crew, has made its first international stop in Australia in its journey to circumnavigate the globe.
The crew of INSV Tarini is entirely female, led by two experienced officers: Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa Alagirisamy. This eight-month voyage, which will navigate some of the world’s most treacherous waters, is a testament to the skill, dedication, and resilience of these women sailors as they face changing winds, strong currents, and vast distances.
Their mission goes beyond just circumnavigation; it serves as a powerful symbol of the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity and women’s empowerment.
While "women empowerment" is a widely used term, it is often criticized as tokenistic in isolated efforts. However, for the Indian Navy, this mission is more than a symbolic gesture. As these women officers sail through their inspiring journey, the Navy itself is taking crucial steps to institutionalize gender inclusion.
Here are three ways the Navy is taking the lead:
1. Broadened responsibilities
The Indian Navy has progressively been offering more roles and command positions to women.
Several significant milestones have been achieved in this process. In December, Commander Prerna Deosthalee made history as the first woman to command a naval warship, INS Trinkat.
Earlier this year in June, Sub Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev became the Navy's first female helicopter pilot.
These advancements within the Indian Navy have been celebrated as an important demonstration of the armed forces' commitment to valuing leadership and technical skill over traditional gender-based limitations.
2. Inclusive language for all genders
Challenging role-related barriers is just one facet of gender inclusivity. Unfortunately, exclusionary practices are also embedded in small, everyday actions.
Recognizing and transforming habits that unintentionally reinforce exclusion has led to the integration of gender-neutral language in both official documents and daily communication within the Navy.
The military is shifting from terms like "servicemen" to "service personnel" and "mankind" to "humanity," as reported by ThePrint.
3. Introducing practical adaptations for women at sea
The Navy has implemented practical changes to better support women, especially during extended deployments.
Gender-specific uniforms, access to specialized mentorship programs, and support networks such as the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA) are tailored to address their unique needs and foster a balanced environment.
Newly introduced mentorship programs and family-friendly policies also contribute to these efforts.
These measures ensure that women serving at sea, aboard submarines, or in combat roles are not only prepared for their tasks but also supported in maintaining their overall well-being.
INSV Tarini’s journey highlights the progress the Navy has made, while also showcasing the ongoing goals it strives to achieve.
As the crew faces the Southern Ocean’s notoriously rough seas, they carry with them a message of resilience and inclusion, one that the Navy hopes will inspire future generations.
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