Major Kavitha Vasupalli created history as the only woman to complete a 1,040-kilometer rafting expedition on the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Hyderabad: Hailing from Metturu village in the remote Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, Major Kavitha Vasupalli, a doctor in Indian Army created history as the only woman to complete a 1,040-kilometer rafting expedition on the mighty Brahmaputra River, a journey filled with danger, raw beauty, and relentless challenges.
Her name has entered into the World Book of Records (London) for this achievement. The expedition was led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, Director of NIMAS. He is himself a Tenzing Norgay Awardee, first Indian to climb all the highest peaks of India along with three time summiting of Mount Everest.
Born into a modest family, her father a railway clerk and her mother a homemaker Kavitha studied in government schools and completed her MBBS from Srikakulam Medical College. She joined the Indian Army as a doctor in 2021, determined to support her family and serve the nation. In just four years, she has emerged not just as a dedicated medical officer but as a bold face of adventure and leadership.
Kavitha faced and overcame life-threatening Grade 4+ rapids during the expedition. Earned the distinction of being the only female participant in this world-record-setting journey. This expedition is considered equivalent in challenge and prestige to summiting Mount Everest in the adventure world.
Dr Kavitha on Sunday met Andhra Pradesh governor Abdul Nazeer. Speaking enthusiastically about the expedition, Major Kavitha recalled, “The Brahmaputra was magnificent but it was also merciless. One day, a giant wave hit us with such force that our raft flipped. In those few seconds, we were completely underwater, unsure if we’d come out alive. But we didn’t panic. We trusted our training. We held on to each other. And we survived. That moment showed me how thin the line is between life and death and how powerful courage and calmness can be.”
The Governor listened with keen interest and admiration. He later remarked, “We often hear spiritual or geographical tales of the Brahmaputra, but this is the first time I’ve heard an adventurous story of battle and bravery on its waters. Major Kavitha’s account is one of sheer determination and grit. She has brought pride to Andhra Pradesh and to every Indian who takes pride in its Armed Forces.”
Major Kavitha has also shown unparalleled bravery at high altitudes. During a mountaineering expedition to Mount Gorichen, she saved the life of a fellow climber who lost consciousness at 5,900 meters. Kavitha, who has loved swimming since childhood, said with a smile, “I’m just a girl from a small village in Srikakulam. If I could make it here, so can anyone.”