Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A Awarded Shaurya Chakra

In a historic moment for the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A have been conferred the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award. The honors were announced on the eve of the 77th Republic Day (2026). The duo has been recognized for their extraordinary courage, grit, and professional competence exhibited during the Navika Sagar Parikrama II—a grueling circumnavigation of the globe on the sailing vessel INSV Tarini. Their bravery in navigating treacherous oceanic conditions and ensuring the safety of their vessel and crew under extreme duress has set a new benchmark for maritime excellence.

Officer Name	Rank	Award	Key Achievement
Dilna K	Lieutenant Commander	Shaurya Chakra	Lead navigator and skipper during high-seas maneuvers.
Roopa A	Lieutenant Commander	Shaurya Chakra	Co-skipper noted for exceptional technical resilience during storms.