Commander Ravikanth Nandoori on Sailing INS Sudarshini Across the World | Chai with Manju

Boston— The Indian flag is flying proudly in Boston Harbor as the Indian Navy’s iconic sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrives as part of Sail Boston 2026, bringing with it a story that stretches back thousands of years—to India’s ancient maritime traditions, seafaring history, and enduring connection with the world’s oceans. In this special episode of Chai With Manju, viewers will meet the captain guiding this remarkable voyage, Commander Ravikanth Nandoori, Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini. Through the conversation, Commander Nandoori shares insights into life aboard the three-masted sailing vessel, the importance of sail training, and the mission behind India’s historic Lokayan 2026 expedition. INS Sudarshini has arrived in Boston after participating in the International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th250 celebrations in New York, where she sailed alongside international naval vessels and tall ships in one of the largest maritime commemorations in recent history. The vessel’s journey represents not only naval training but also India’s message of friendship, cultural exchange, and maritime cooperation. A Voyage Connecting India’s Past and Future INS Sudarshini embarked on her flagship global voyage, Lokayan 2026, from Kochi on January 20, 2026. The 10-month transoceanic expedition covers approximately 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 13 countries and 18 ports while carrying the spirit of India’s maritime heritage across the globe. The voyage follows historic ocean routes once traveled by Indian sailors, traders, and explorers. For generations, India’s relationship with the sea has shaped commerce, culture, and connections between civilizations. Today, INS Sudarshini continues that tradition by training young naval personnel in the art and discipline of sailing while representing India on the international stage. As Commander Nandoori explains in the interview, sailing a tall ship requires much more than technical skill. It demands teamwork, trust, discipline, and the ability to work together as one crew. “Every rope hauled and every sail raised reflects coordination and teamwork,” is the philosophy embodied by the sailors aboard INS Sudarshini. The experience teaches trainees how to read the wind, understand the sea, and develop leadership qualities that extend far beyond the ship. Boston’s Historic Connection With Tall Ships The arrival of INS Sudarshini is especially meaningful in Boston, a city whose identity has always been connected to the ocean. Boston Harbor has played a central role in American maritime history—from colonial-era sailing vessels and global trade routes to modern naval and cultural events. Tall ships serve as living reminders of an era when oceans connected continents through exploration, commerce, and cultural exchange. Events such as Sail Boston bring together historic and modern sailing vessels from around the world, transforming the harbor into a celebration of maritime heritage and international friendship. The Parade of Sail is one of the most spectacular traditions of these gatherings, as ships from different nations enter the harbor together, displaying their flags and celebrating the shared human connection to the sea. For Boston, the arrival of INS Sudarshini represents more than a naval visit. It is an opportunity for communities to experience India’s maritime traditions firsthand. An Invitation to the Community During its stay in Boston, INS Sudarshini welcomes visitors from all backgrounds to come aboard, explore the ship, and learn about India’s naval traditions and maritime legacy. Members of the public, students, families, maritime enthusiasts, and the Indian-American community are invited to visit the ship. Admission is free. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the vessel up close, meet members of the crew, and experience a unique connection between India and Boston through the shared language of the sea. The ship’s visit continues India’s message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — by using maritime heritage as a bridge between nations and people. Through this special Chai With Manju interview, Commander Ravikanth Nandoori offers viewers a rare glimpse into the life of a sailor, the responsibilities of commanding a tall ship, and the significance of carrying India’s flag across the oceans. INS Sudarshini’s journey is not only a voyage across seas. It is a voyage across history, culture, and friendship.