Lt Commanders Dilna K, from Kozhikode, Kerala, and Roopa A, from Tamil Nadu, have made history as the first Indian women to complete a double-handed circumnavigation of the globe aboard INSV Tarini.

Their extraordinary 238-day voyage, spanning over 25,400 nautical miles and traversing some of the world’s most challenging waters, ended with a hero’s welcome at Goa’s Mormugao Port on 29 May 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, present at the flag-in ceremony, lauded their courage and perseverance, calling their achievement a new milestone for women’s empowerment and India’s maritime tradition.

Forged by Grit: The Inspiring Backgrounds of Dilna and Roopa

Lt Commander Dilna K’s journey to this historic accomplishment began in Kozhikode, Kerala. Raised in a modest family, she was inspired by her late father, an Army jawan, and by her mother, who supported her ambitions at every step.

Dilna’s childhood was marked by a spirit of adventure—she climbed coconut trees, participated in national-level shooting, and excelled as an NCC cadet. Commissioned into the Indian Navy’s Logistics branch in 2014, she quickly earned a reputation for her determination and adaptability.

Lt Commander Roopa A, hailing from Tamil Nadu, also embodies resilience and dedication. A product of the Navy’s rigorous training and selection process, Roopa’s journey has been defined by her willingness to embrace challenges and her passion for the sea. Both officers were chosen for this mission after a highly competitive selection process, reflecting not only their technical competence but also their mental fortitude and teamwork.

Their preparation for the circumnavigation was nothing short of exhaustive. Over three years, Dilna and Roopa underwent a series of demanding training sorties, including sailing from Kochi to Goa, Goa to Visakhapatnam, and transoceanic expeditions to Cape Town, Mauritius, and Rio de Janeiro. Each voyage tested their skills in navigation, survival, and crisis management. Crucially, they were mentored by Commander Abhilash Tomy, India’s celebrated solo circumnavigator, whose guidance on both technical and psychological aspects of ocean sailing proved invaluable.

The Road to INSV Tarini: Training, Trials, and Triumph

The officers’ journey was part of the Indian Navy’s Navika Sagar Parikrama II, an initiative to promote women’s participation in seafaring roles. The Navy’s Ocean Sailing Node, established in 2016, played a pivotal role in nurturing their talent and ambition. In February 2024, Dilna and Roopa undertook a 2,700-nautical-mile transoceanic sortie to Mauritius—a critical test that solidified their selection for the circumnavigation.

Their voyage aboard INSV Tarini began on 2 October 2024. Over the next eight months, they faced some of the harshest conditions imaginable: 20-foot waves, freezing temperatures, and storms with winds up to 50 knots. Their route took them across the Roaring Forties, past the treacherous Cape of Good Hope, and through the remote Point Nemo—the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, known as the “spacecraft graveyard.”

Along the way, they made port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa) for resupply and maintenance, engaging with local communities and the Indian diaspora.

Despite the isolation and dangers, the officers’ camaraderie and training saw them through. Lt Commander Roopa described the journey as “life-changing,” while Dilna dedicated the achievement to her late father and her family’s unwavering support. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at the homecoming ceremony, praised their courage and urged them to share their story to inspire future generations, particularly young women.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The remarkable voyage of Lt Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A is a shining example of what can be achieved when talent is nurtured, and opportunity is provided without bias. Their story is not just about breaking records; it is about breaking stereotypes and inspiring a new generation to dream big.

At a time when gender equality remains a crucial goal, their accomplishment is a beacon of hope and progress, demonstrating the transformative power of perseverance, mentorship, and collective support.

As India celebrates this historic milestone, The Logical Indian stands committed to championing stories of courage, empathy, and positive change. Let us ask ourselves: How can we, as a society, create more pathways for women and girls to pursue their ambitions—whether on land, at sea, or in any field they choose?