Sonali Banerjee made history on August 26, 2001, when she became India's first woman maritime officer, breaking down barriers in a male-dominated field.
Breaking Barriers: India’s First Woman Maritime Officer
Born in Allahabad, Sonali was inspired by her uncles' stories of adventure in the merchant navy, which sparked her desire to explore the world beyond her hometown.
She cleared the entrance examination for the Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI) in Kolkata in 1995, despite being the only woman among 1,500 cadets.
Sonali's journey was marked by perseverance and determination. She excelled in her studies, topping every exam and winning the respect of her peers.
Global Training with Mobil Shipping Company
After graduating in 1999, she was selected by Mobil Shipping Company for a six-month pre-sea training course, which took her to ports in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Fiji, and Australia.
On August 26, 2001, she boarded a Mobil Shipping Company vessel and became the first Indian woman to take charge of a ship's machine room.
Sonali's determination and perseverance carried her through obstacles, and she emerged as a role model for women aspiring to build careers in non-traditional fields.
Sonali's achievement marked a significant milestone in India's maritime industry, paving the way for other women to join the field.
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