FLAGGING IN OF INSV TARINI

 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 a 17000nm trans-ocean inter-continental voyage, after 188 days. The six-member crew was received at the jetty by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, Smt Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. VAdm MA Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Ms. Rani Rampal, former Captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, and a host of senior naval officers, enthusiastic members of the naval community and civilian dignitaries were also present.

            The ‘Flag In’ ceremony commenced with a magnificent display of yachting skills by young and promising yachtsman of the Navy Boys Sports Company. This was followed by a marvellous flypast by versatile naval aviation platforms such as the Chetak, Kamov 31, Hawks, IL 38, Dornier and MiG 29K aircraft.

            Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pramod Sawant complimented the exemplary display of valour, courage and perseverance by the crew and highlighted the Indian Navy’s role as a pioneer in the country in ocean sailing, as exemplified by the international accolades received by Captain Dilip Donde (Retd), Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd) and the Navika Sagar Parikrama team of six women naval officers, a true display of Nari Shakti.

Appreciating the arduous expedition of the Tarini crew, more so by two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A who were part of the entire 188 days and 17000nm of sailing, Smt Smriti Irani stated that 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.

Admiral R Hari Kumar congratulated the crew on its successful completion of a challenging endeavour. The achievement of crew in navigating through adverse weather conditions and undertaking inhouse repairs whenever needed are shining examples of innovation and ingenuity that our countrymen possess, he added. He also emphasized that this voyage towards women empowerment is not an end, but the start of a new phase of providing an ocean of opportunities to female sailors to conquer the seven seas.

INSV Tarini’s historic voyage from Goa to Rio de Janerio via Cape Town and back spanned 188 eventful days of achievement.