Beyond Horizons: A Marine Odyssey to Endless Possibilities

Participants: 110 Women

In an inspiring session titled “Beyond Horizons: A Marine Odyssey to Endless Possibilities,” the Young FICCI Ladies Organization (YFLO) delved into the vast potential of the Blue Economy. Held on June 28, 2024, in Hyderabad, the event saw the convergence of 110 enthusiastic women eager to explore the limitless opportunities offered by our oceans.

Ridhi Jain, Chairperson of YFLO, commenced the session with a powerful message, emphasizing the importance of exploring the blue horizons of the ocean and embracing the principles of the Blue Economy. “Today is not just about hearing tales of triumph; it’s about igniting the spark of possibility within us all,” she remarked.

The event featured three distinguished speakers who brought their unique perspectives and vast experiences to the table:

1. Captain Dilip Donde: The first Indian to complete a solo, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe under sail. Captain Donde shared his incredible journey and the challenges he faced. He highlighted the regulatory hurdles and the rigorous demands of a career in the Navy, encouraging the youth to consider joining the Indian Navy and exploring water sports. “India has a 7000 km coastline with favorable weather conditions. There’s immense potential for young people to engage in maritime activities,” he said.

2. Aishwarya Boddapati: A Hyderabadi by birth and a member of the first all-women military crew to circumnavigate the globe on INSV Tarini, Aishwarya shared her extraordinary journey with the audience. She recounted the trials and triumphs of her 10-year service in the Indian Navy and the adventurous expedition that saw her team spend eight and a half months at sea. “We faced many challenges, from running short of drinking water to managing a broken sailboat steering. But these experiences taught us resilience and teamwork,” she said.

3. Praful Talera: A Governing Council Member of the Maritime Research Center and an expert in the Blue Economy, Mr. Talera shed light on the global commons and the critical need for a Blue Economy Policy in India. He discussed the Draft National Policy for Blue Economy, which aims to enhance GDP contribution from the ocean economy, improve coastal communities’ lives, and preserve marine biodiversity. “Innovation in the maritime sector isn’t just about technology; it’s about sustainable progress for generations to come,” he emphasized.

Mr. Talera also highlighted the significance of the Indian Ocean, the only ocean named after a country, and stressed the need for sustainable practices to harness its potential.

The session underscored the necessity of a comprehensive Blue Economy Policy for India, with the Ministry of Earth Sciences finalizing the National Policy on Blue Economy. The policy, expected to be launched soon by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, aims to propel India towards sustainable ocean resource utilization, economic growth, livelihood enhancement, and environmental stewardship.

Insights into the Blue Economy:

– Economic and Environmental Opportunities: The event explored new economic and environmental opportunities beyond the ocean’s surface, emphasizing sustainable ocean resource utilization.

– Sustainable Progress: Speakers highlighted the importance of innovation in the maritime sector for sustainable progress, ensuring benefits for future generations.

– Inspiration and Empowerment: The stories of Captain Dilip Donde, Aishwarya Boddapati, and Praful Talera served as powerful sources of inspiration, empowering participants to explore and harness the potential of the Blue Economy.

YFLO’s session on the Blue Economy was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired and motivated to explore the endless possibilities that lie beyond the horizons of our oceans.