Chaitanya Datla to become the first woman to sail on an Indian Navy Warship
Chaitanya Datla, a 28-year old, human resources executive from Bengaluru is all set to create history by becoming the first woman to sail on an Indian Navy Warship. Chaitanya is chosen as the winner of 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 much more. The landmark series gave an insight into the lives of the brave men who patrol and protect the country through seven visually stunning episodes. With this initiative, Nat Geo provided five civilians including three women, the unique opportunity to be a part of the Navy, training and imbuing them with the courage, grit and determination.
With over 50,000 entries from all across India, only five finalists were selected for the mission after a series of physical and mental tests conducted by the Navy. The finalists included 28-year old, Chaitanya Datla from Bengaluru; 20-year old, Sakshi Havanoor from Pune; 25-year old Suranjani H R from Bengaluru; 23-year old, Arjun R Shetty from Bengaluru and 21-year old Sudhanshu Budakoty from Mysore.
Chaitanya, along with the other finalists got the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of the Indian Navy for over a month. It all started from being introduced to the academy life and undergoing basic training, to setting their first step ever on board an Indian Naval ship. She not only got to learn the science behind the submarines and other warships but was also trained in beaching operations, got to perform the difficult jack stay, underwent a G-Force test, amongst other tasks.
At the end of the series, Chaitanya proved to be the most resilient, deserving and valiant of the five finalists and will have the honour of sailing on an Indian Navy Warship for an international tour. The decision by the Indian Navy was based on various exercises, tests and experiences the participants went through during the month long training period.
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 a 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.”
“At National Geographic Channel, we are proud of our landmark series, Mission Navy: Lehron Ke Sartaj through which we took our viewers inside the incredible world of the Indian Navy. We received unprecedented response from viewers across the country and are delighted on our winner Chaitanya Datla’s remarkable achievement”, said, Nikhil Mirchandani, Managing Director, National Geographic Channel – South Asia.
