Port Blair, March 22: The Indian Armed Forces have a longstanding tradition of fostering the spirit of adventure. From the lofty heights of the Himalayas to the mysterious depths of the oceans, adventure is an integral component of military training.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command has launched an open water sea swimming expedition, encompassing all 21 A & N Islands named after PARAM VIR CHAKRA (PVC) awardees.

Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), flagged off the event, with a group of swimmers embarking on the first swim from Marina to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep on 22^nd March 2024. This inaugural swim to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep served as a befitting tribute to Netaji's contributions to Bharat's Independence and the Andaman Islands, coinciding with the island's 80^th Independence Day celebrations.

Each island swim will be independently undertaken on different dates, with the expedition leader finalizing the dates based on tide charts, weather conditions, and logistical arrangements. This unprecedented expedition celebrates the heroes of the Indian Armed Forces in a unique and extreme adventure.

The swimming expedition which commenced on 22^nd March 2024, World Water Day, symbolizes the Armed Forces' ongoing commitment to social consciousness and paying homage to our PVC awardees and fallen heroes. The event will culminate on 15^th August 2024, Independence Day, with the final swim planned on this historic occasion.