Kolkata, Dec 16 (NationPress) An Indian Army sailing vessel crewed entirely by women, Triveni, has recently docked at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch, carrying the empowering message of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women empowerment) to far-flung destinations. The crew was greeted with an enthusiastic reception by the Indian community in New Zealand.

The diverse crew consists of women officers from the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. A communications officer from the organizing body, who is of Indian and Bengali heritage with roots in Kolkata, provided exclusive details about the celebration.

The 16.05-meter yacht, constructed in India, embarked from Mumbai on September 11, following a flag-off ceremony by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Its journey began with a stop in Fremantle, Australia, before it faced the challenging waters of the Tasman Sea to reach Christchurch.

This ambitious circumnavigation aims to cover nearly 26,000 nautical miles in an easterly direction, crossing the Equator twice and navigating around Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope, with four international ports planned along the route.

Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, the expedition's skipper, mentioned the significant responsibility they carry. “We represent the hopes of the Indian Armed Forces and the aspirations of Indians both at home and abroad. This mission sets a global benchmark,” she stated, emphasizing, “We have the best of the three Services. This serves as a pioneering model, particularly for women in uniform.”

Alongside Lt Col Varudkar, the crew included Major Karamjeet Kaur and Major Prajakta Nikam from the Indian Army; Lieutenant Commander Priyanka Gusain from the Indian Navy; and Wing Commander Vibha Singh, Squadron Leader Shraddha Raju, and Squadron Leader Aruvi Jaydev from the Indian Air Force.

The Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, hosted a dinner honoring the crew, attended by select delegates including local and national politicians. During this gathering, the officers recounted experiences from their voyage, including a tense moment when crew members had to dive underwater to resolve a technical issue amidst shark-infested waters.

“This voyage signifies another chapter in the strengthening bonds between India and New Zealand,” remarked Amitrajit Sarkar, treasurer of the Christchurch Bengali Community Inc., who was among the honored guests.

The yacht is currently undergoing repairs and is anticipated to depart next week on a daunting 7,000-nautical-mile segment to Buenos Aires, Argentina—a stretch Lt Col Varudkar described as “treacherous.” The expedition's final phase will include a stop at Cape Town before Triveni returns to its home port in Mumbai around May 2026.