A restless soul, always aspiring to live a life full of exciting experiences, and someone who defines life as an unpredictable journey, who believes destinations are overrated!
As a kid, watching my father in the olive-green uniform filled me with profound pride. Post my B. Tech in Electronics and Telecommunication, I was all set to take on my first job. I had the opportunity to join Headstrong/Ericsson, and I had also cleared SSB for Indian Navy SSC Logistics entry under the University Entry Scheme. My love for ranks and uniforms made me choose the second option, and life took a new turn.
Me in Navy
As I transformed from Miss Bidisha Pandey to Sub-Lieutenant Bidisha Pandey, I changed tremendously as a person. I learned to push myself beyond my comfort zone, my self-confidence was at a new high, and the salutes and courtesies had become an integral part of my life. On the day of Passing Out Parade at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, I could see that my father had finally accepted that his little daughter had now grown into a mature, independent, and fearless woman.
Leading Naval Contingent
When I joined the Navy, I knew I had opted for a career that’s anything but ordinary! Watching the Republic Day Parade was something that gave me immense joy as a child. Little did I know that I would begin my journey in the Navy by marching on Rajpath soon after finishing my orientation courses, not once but twice! I led the Naval Contingent, and it was a dream come true. The early morning chills, the blisters on my feet, rigorous drill practice, and the final march from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort when the whole country watches you and cheers for you, unforgettable!
Living my dreams
Later in 2016, I volunteered to be a part of the Trans-Atlantic Cape to Rio 2017 race. Ocean sailing was new to me, but I wanted to sail and know what life at sea feels. I sailed for 33 days non-stop as a part of the return leg crew from Cape Town to Goa on INSV Mhadei. Facing the wrath of nature with a smile and respecting nature as you see it in its barest forms taught me to be persevering and calm even in the worst moments. Swimming in the Indian Ocean while crossing the equator, baking cakes, and looking at the stars all night were just a few of the many activities onboard that I shall always cherish!
Overwhelming Experiences
I never imagined that someday I will be sharing my story and inspiring women to not settle and fight for their dreams. I have been invited as Chief Guest for Women’s Day Celebrations at several schools and colleges where I have addressed hundreds of students, and the response has been overwhelming. In 2019, I was invited as the Guest of Honour on the occasion of the Day of the Seafarer by the National Maritime Day Celebrations Committee where I spoke about my experiences at sea and was felicitated by the Director-General of Shipping. I was also awarded the Kashti Bhushan by Union Minister of Shipping, Shri Mansukhbhai Mandaviya for exemplary contribution to the Maritime Industry in the field of Women Empowerment, and the Celebrating Women in Maritime 2019 Award.
Changed my gears
I completed my ten years tenure in the Navy on 03 July 2021. Since I was an operation and supply chain specialist in the Navy, I was expected to switch to corporate life and supply chain role. Instead, I chose to change gears and start fresh in a domain, where I have no experience – social entrepreneurship. When I first worked for the resettlement of VeerNaris as part of my duties at Visakhapatnam, it gave me a deep sense of satisfaction. When I got transferred to Mumbai, I got in touch with the VeerNari Shakti Resettlement Organisation and volunteered to work with them for the same cause. Finally, when I was in my ninth year of service, I decided to apply to social entrepreneurship courses. I did not have a formal background in the social sector, and therefore I was skeptical, but I took the chance and went ahead. I ended up getting admission offers from University College London, London School of Economics and Political science, and Kings College London and have also been awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship for post-graduation studies in the UK.
Nobody knows what the future holds, but I am extremely excited about my second innings and hope that, I am to make some difference in this world through my efforts.
-Team WS
