In a laudable initiative, women cadre of the paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) have set out on a month-long camel safari to spread the message of women empowerment and raise awareness about the hardships faced by the force.
The BSF has tied up with Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF) for the expedition, which will be led by Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest- the highest mountain peak on Earth.
A total of 20 women are participating in the expedition, a part of BSF's Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The expedition was flagged off on Tuesday (February 24) from Bhuj city in western Gujarat city and it will pass through various border villages of Rajasthan and Punjab. The expedition will conclude at Wagah border in Punjab on March 24.
Speaking about the expedition, Pal said that it was a way to acknowledge the hard work put in by BSF officials in keeping the country safe.
"Through this expedition we want to pay our respects in an adventurous way to those soldiers who maintain a vigil on the borders day and night and also laud them for their work," said Pal
The women officials have been given 10 days of special training in the desert of Rann of Kutch and also in various other environments. All the women were put through fitness and stamina tests, post which they are confident of completing the expedition successfully.
"Women know that they are no less than men and want to do their bit for the nation. Girls are capable of doing all things that men can," said a BSF official, Sarika Verma.
The expedition team would also interact with residents of border villages and conduct civic action programmes.
