Tata Steel Adventure Foundation successfully completes 'Indian Women's Great Desert Safari'

The team, 14 selected by Tata Steel Adventure Foundation and 13 from Border Security Force (BSF), completed an ordeal of 2300 kilometers travelling from Bhuj in Gujarat to the Wagah Border in Punjab through Rajasthan on camels as well as vehicles. 

 

The women expedition team were on a mission to spread awareness on the girl child and the importance of empowering them to forge ahead in life. 

 

The team also sensitized them on the importance of education and providing equal opportunities to them to excel in life. The all women contingent acknowledged the great sacrifice by the soldiers who protect our borders under extreme conditions.

 

The 27 member team embarked on the journey on 25th February, 2015 from Bhuj and traveled across the desert speaking with villagers along the course of the journey. 

 

The ‘women on a mission’ spoke on the importance of education and girl child among the village population. The message of a sustainable lifestyle for a better future was the motto of the awareness drive. 

 

The teams were tested for their tenacity and physical endurance on the course of the 2300 kilometer ordeal where despite the challenges of the desert they interacted with the soldiers at the border encouraging and motivating the brave hearts in dispensing their duty to perfection. 

 

The all women team salutes the brave hearts at the border for their endurance and fighting more enemies than one, including the extreme weather conditions which they have to face every hour in isolation. The enduring journey also commemorated the golden jubilee of the existence of the Border Security Force.

 

On successful completion of the expedition, Bachendri Pal, Chief, Tata Steel Adventure Foundation said, “It’s a momentous occasion for us to have completed the 2300 kilometer Great Indian Desert Safari on camel and vehicles. The journey through the tough terrains has provided numerous opportunities to come triumphant on extreme difficult situations.” She further added, “Throughout the journey we have interacted with the villagers and our brave soldiers across the border and spread the message of empowering our girl child and women empowerment, education, peace and solidarity.” In her message she also thanked the Border Security Force for providing best possible facilities for training and the journey.

 

The course of the 2300 kilometer journey, tested human endurance, physical strength and stamina filled with spirit of adventure along with its share of excitement. The journey concluded on March 22 providing a befitting tribute to the BSF and its 50 years of journey. 

 

This initiative undertaken in 2015 was the result of the first initiative under taken by Tata Steel Adventure Foundation under the aegis of Ms Pal in 2007 from Bhuj to the Wagha Border. Saroj Shinde, Assistant Commandant, BSF was leading the contingent on behalf of the Border Security Force.