Port Blair,16 August 2024:
On the auspicious occasion of the 78th Independence Day, 78 swimmers, consisting of soldiers, families, and children from the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), undertook a swimming expedition from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (NSCB) Dweep to Marina Bay. This “Independence Day Swim” marked the culmination of Expedition Paramvir. Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Upon arrival at Marina Bay, CINCAN paid homage at Paramvir Smarak, Marina Park, and subsequently addressed the personnel gathered for the culmination ceremony of Expedition Paramvir.
Rear Admiral Biplab Hota, Chief of Staff (COS), Andaman and Nicobar Command,
flagged off the swimming expedition at NSCB Dweep.
On 22 March 2024, in celebration of World Water Day, ANC embarked on a historic open water sea swimming expedition, encompassing all 21 A&N Islands named after
Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees. This unprecedented expedition celebrates the heroes of the Indian Armed Forces in a unique and extreme adventure. Each island swim was independently undertaken on different dates spread over five months, with the expedition leader, Wing Commander Paramvir Singh, finalizing the dates based on tide charts, weather conditions, and logistical arrangements.
This was the first extreme adventure expedition of its kind, celebrating the Heroes of the Indian Armed Forces. The swim took place in uncharted waters, with no reference to past experiences, makin g it even more challenging compared to other conquered channels worldwide. The challenges faced during this swim included severe exhaustion due to the distance and direct heat, severe sunburns, severe dehydration, strong currents, and choppy seas due to high surface winds. The swimmers also encountered various marine life, including saltwater crocodiles, jellyfish, stingrays, stonefish, and venomous sea snakes.
CINCAN lauded the spirit and efforts of all swimmers for conquering all 21 Islands and presenting a most befitting tribute to the Param Vir Chakra awardees and our fallen heroes.
