The National Hydrographic Office (NHO), Dehradun, hosted Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, SC, on October 5, 2026, for a motivational talk focused on her extraordinary 238-day circumnavigation of the globe by sea.
Lt Cdr Roopa A is one of the two women officers across the three Services to have been awarded the Shaurya Chakra. During the interaction, she shared her experiences from the circumnavigation, recounting a journey marked by courage, endurance, uncertainty and determination.
Her account provided the gathering with an insight into the challenges and experiences associated with undertaking a 238-day journey around the globe by sea. The interaction highlighted the resilience and perseverance required during such an extended undertaking.
The motivational talk was attended by naval and civilian staff as well as students from schools and colleges. Her experiences provided the young audience and other participants with an opportunity to learn from her journey and the challenges she encountered.
During the interaction, Lt Cdr Roopa A shared the experiences of her circumnavigation and highlighted the importance of resilience and determination. Her journey served as the central theme of the motivational engagement.
The interaction also focused on leadership and perseverance, with her experiences offering lessons in confronting uncertainty and continuing with determination through demanding circumstances.
For the students attending the event, the session provided an opportunity to hear directly from a decorated naval officer about her experiences at sea and the challenges involved in completing the 238-day circumnavigation.
The engagement brought together naval personnel, civilian staff and students from educational institutions, creating a platform for interaction and sharing of experiences.
Lt Cdr Roopa A’s journey and the experiences she shared during the session inspired the gathering to embrace resilience, leadership and the spirit of perseverance.
The motivational talk at NHO Dehradun highlighted the value of first-hand experiences in inspiring others, with the Shaurya Chakra awardee’s circumnavigation serving as an example of courage, endurance, determination and perseverance.
