A 20-member team from Tata Steel Adventure Foundation and Border Security Force defied all obstacles and has come triumphant on the Indian Women's Great Desert Safari Feb-Mar 2015. The team-fourteen selected by the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation and thirteen from the Border Security Force (BSF)-completed 2,000 kilometer travelling from Bhuj in Gujarat to the Wagah Border in Punjab through Rajasthan.
The women expedition team was on a mission to spread awareness on women empowerment, importance of education and cleanliness and motivating soldiers at the border. The 20-member team embarked on the journey on February 25 from Bhuj and travelled across the desert speaking with villagers along the course of the journey. The 'women on a mission' spoke on the importance of education and how they (villagers) can adopt to technology for betterment of their lives. The message of a sustainable lifestyle for a better future was the motto of the awareness drive.
The women were tested of their tenacity and physical endurance on the course of the 2,000 kilometers journey where despite the challenges of the desert they interacted with the soldiers at the border encouraging and motivating the brave hearts. The enduring journey also commemorated the golden jubilee of the existence of the BSF.
On successful completion of the expedition, Bachendri Pal, chief, Tata Steel Adventure Foundation said: "It's a momentous occasion for us to have completed the 2,000 kilometer Great Indian Desert Safari on camel. (Some portions were also done on vehicles.) The journey through the tough terrains has provided numerous opportunities to come triumphant on extreme difficult situations." She further added: "Throughout the journey we have interacted with the villagers and our brave soldiers across the border and spread the message of women empowerment, education, peace and solidarity."
In her message she also thanked the BSF for providing best possible facilities for training and the journey. The course of the 2,000 kilometer journey, tested human endurance, physical strength and stamina filled with spirit of adventure along with its share of excitement. The journey concluded on March 24, 2015 providing a befitting tribute to the BSF and its 50 years of journey. Earlier, Pal has led a similar expedition in 2007 from Bhuj to the Wagha Border.