She sailed the world

LT PAYAL GUPTA, 28, Naval Officer, Dehradun

BECAUSE

She was part of the all-woman crew of INS Tarini, the first Asian team to circumnavigate the globe in 254 days. She was awarded the Nau Sena gallantry medal on August 15 . She was also feted with the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure award 2018 besides getting the Nari Shakti Award. An avid sailor, she has sailed 50,000 nautical miles since 2015. She has also participated in the prestigious Cape to Rio 2017 race.

This youngster from Dehradun, the land-locked capital of the mountainous Uttarakhand, admits that no one in her family had ever done a stint in the navy. But she wanted to carve a new path for herself. She was inspired by the men in uniform she would see at the neighbouring Indian Military Academy.

SECRET OF SUCCESS

I believe life without goals is nothing but emptiness. So my dreams drive me. Secret of my success is nothing but perseverance, consistency and the never-saydie attitude.

THE GOAL NEXT

I want to hone my sailing skills further, and participate in the Volvo Ocean Race to mark India’s presence there as well.

MY ROLE MODEL

My parents are my role models because seeing them working so hard for the family always gives me strength .

BY THE WAY

I love to travel, meet new people, and explore different cultures. I also love to spend my free time with friends and family, they are my world.

SECOND OPINION

“Lt Payal is a very fine officer with a positive attitude and a strong will. I admire her grit and determination.”

—Nisha Rawat, senior software developer at BNG Mobility Solutions