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Making waves

She’s all set to create history. Twenty-eight-year-old Chaitanya Datla, a human resource executive from Bengaluru, will be the first woman to sail on an Indian Navy warship. Chaitanya has been adjudged the winner of the National Geographic Channel’s ‘Mission Navy: Lehron Ke Sartaj’ from over 50,000 civilians who participated in the landmark docu-reality series.

For the first time in the history of Indian television, Nat Geo’s “Mission Navy” showcased the hitherto uncharted world of the Indian Navy, replete with warships, submarines, missiles and more. The series provided an insight into the lives of the men who patrol and protect the country through seven episodes. With this initiative, Nat Geo gave five civilians, including three women, the unique opportunity to be part of the Navy, training and imbuing them with courage and determination.

Only five finalists were selected from 50,000 entries, after a series of physical and mental tests conducted by the Navy. Chaitanya, along with the other finalists got the opportunity of a lifetime to be part of the Indian Navy for over a month. It all started from being introduced to academy life, undergoing basic training and getting on board an Indian Naval ship for the first time. She not only got to learn the science behind submarines and other warships but was also trained in beaching operations, got to perform the difficult jack stay and underwent a G-Force test among other tasks.

Speaking about her achievement, Chaitanya said, “It has been a pride and privilege to be part of this unique Nat Geo endeavour, and experience what it takes to be in the Indian Navy. I have always aspired to be part of the armed forces and Nat Geo’s Mission Navy helped me realise this dream that was unfulfilled till recently. I also feel that this is a triumph for all the Indian women for whom nothing is impossible.”

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