Verem (Goa) This would certain be a proud moment for Goa. Union Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman called her predecessor Manohar Parrikar as her inspiring political mentor during the function held today to flag off ship INSV Tarini.
Tarini will be circumnavigating the globe and it would be the first all women crew ship to do so.
This is what the defence minister said:
“This is not a occasion which can happen once in five years or once in ten years, it is historic day for India. Historic day which will be marked in navigation history and globally I think our women standout for doing something which most navies haven’t even thought of.”
“Manohar Parrikar (is) inspiring political mentor for me, his presence is valuable. Just eight days after my swearing in as raksha mantri. For me to come and to flag off, all women crew doing a circumnavigation of globe is something which I cant describe in words and I am indeed honoured and it is a great pleasure.”
“It is an opportunity that no one can easily get to be amongst these great inspired and motivated women who will take this challenge. I begin with great sense of happiness, honour and pleasure to be here.”
“And for the initiative I appreciate navy, I appreciate all the mentors who have been instrumental in inspiring, motivating and training these fascinating women. There is nothing more that I can say at this time other than being absolutely honoured and touched to be here.”
The minister said this is a great occasion, when this time when efforts which are not overnight and the efforts which are not possible within five-six days. “Several of training, guiding and motivation and organized and systematic way of going about it. It is not just an ordinary exercise.”
“Their (crew members) resolve and fortitute would be tested at every moment. I am sure we will have them back here after their voyage is successfully completed.”
The vessel is skippered by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi and all women naval officers crew comprises of Lieutenant Commander Pratibha Jamwal, Lieutenant P Swathi, Lieutenant Vijaya Devi, Lieutenant Payal Gupta and Lieutenant B Aishwarya.
