LIFE IN INDIAN COAST GUARD : THE JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP

The Indian coastline measures a 4,671 miles and my journey began with one single and the

most important decision of my life 7 years ago when I decided to join the Indian Coast Guard. Being
from a civil background, I knew very little about the life and ways of the Armed Forces. I had never
stayed away from home and being the only daughter of my parents, I was always a pampered child
so the day I reported in the Indian Naval Academy for training was one giant step towards
transformation. During the first month of training, every single day seemed to be a burden as it
became difficult to cope with the physical and mental stresses. But with passing time and disciplined
routine everything started to fall into place. The opportunities that were given to women trainees
were at par with male counterparts in all respects be it firing practices, swimming, sports, etc. There
were times when I felt like giving up but there was an inner voice which always prompted me to
finish what I had started, to prove to the world that a woman is capable of much more than what is
expected of her. The training has imbibed values to my character that will last a lifetime. Taking the
last step, the Antim Pag during the passing out ceremony from academy was actually not the last
step but the first one to start my beautiful journey to guard the 4,671 mile long coastline with the
Indian Coast Guard. Post my initial phase of training, the Indian Coast Guard has given me ample
opportunities to enhance and improve upon my knowledge as well as skill base, visit various parts of
our Incredible India and at the same time make my country as well as my parents extremely proud of
me. My dream of becoming an officer in the Indian Coast Guard started in 2015 and it wouldn’t be
an exaggeration if I would say that my life is no less than actually living the dream.

Dy Comdt Saumya Mohan

W/o Lt Cdr Vaibhav Tyagi, ATO, Satpura Flt