On September 19, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-in a groundbreaking Open Water Swimming Expedition to the 21 islands of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago. This unique expedition was named after the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Awardees and celebrated the valor of these gallantry awardees.
Background of the Open Water Swimming Expedition
On January 23, 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi renamed 21 large unnamed islands in the Andaman & Nicobar group to honor the Param Vir Chakra awardees. This renaming was part of the Parakram Diwas celebrations, commemorating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Commemorating the First Anniversary
To mark the first anniversary of this renaming, the Tri-service Andaman & Nicobar Command launched ‘Expedition Param Vir’. This historic expedition involved a team from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Indian Coast Guard. The team, comprising 11 members, was led by acclaimed open water swimmer and Tenzing Norway National Adventure Awardee Wing Commander Paramvir Singh.
The goal of the expedition was to swim to all 21 islands, a total distance of over 300 kilometers, and unfurl the National Flag on each island. This tribute highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of the 21 PVC awardees.
Remarks by the Defence Minister
In his address, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised the team’s bravery and resilience. He acknowledged their successful completion of the expedition despite numerous challenges at sea, including extreme exhaustion, dehydration, and encounters with dangerous marine life. He emphasized that the expedition aimed to ensure the heroic deeds of the soldiers are recognized by the public, especially the youth. The Raksha Mantri expressed hope that such feats will continue to inspire future generations and bring glory to the nation.
Details of the Expedition
- Start Date: The expedition was officially flagged-off on March 22, 2024, World Water Day, from Shri Vijayapuram. The inaugural swim took place to Netaji Subhas Chandra Dweep.
- Duration: The team completed their journey over a period of five months, culminating on August 15, 2024, the 78th Independence Day.
- Final Swim: The last swim involved 78 personnel from the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard, traveling from Netaji Subhas Chandra Dweep back to Shri Vijayapuram.
Expedition Standards and Challenges
The expedition adhered to international standards for ‘Unassisted Open Water Swim’, requiring participants to wear only swim trunks, goggles, and caps. Despite facing severe weather conditions, including turbulent seas and extreme sunburns, the expedition was completed without any mishaps. This achievement was particularly notable as many participants were new to open water swimming.
Open Water Swimming Expedition – Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
| Event Name | Expedition Param Vir |
| Total Distance | Over 300 kilometers |
| Duration | March 22, 2024 to August 15, 2024 |
| Participants | 11 members from Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard |
| Challenges Faced | Extreme weather, dehydration, marine life encounters |
| Completion Date | August 15, 2024, 78th Independence Day |
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The expedition aimed to honor the valor of the Param Vir Chakra awardees by swimming to and unfurling the National Flag on 21 islands renamed after them.
The expedition began on March 22, 2024, and concluded on August 15, 2024.
The expedition was led by Wing Commander Paramvir Singh, an acclaimed open water swimmer and Tenzing Norway National Adventure Awardee.
The team faced severe exhaustion, dehydration, extreme weather, and encounters with dangerous marine life.
The final swim involved 78 personnel from the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard.