17 Oct Polar Maidens make news across India
Three of the Polar Maidens have had a busy time in Mumbai, India at the start of October. Not only are they promoting the Polar Maidens expedition and encouraging support for their cause, they are part of a ‘Living Bridge’ between India and the UK and have even been mentioned by the Indian Prime Minister.
Jan, Madhabilata and Tanvi attended a press conference which featured on many Indian TV and news programmes. Each Maiden was asked a variety of questions including ‘Why are you doing this?’ to which Jan responded: “We have come together to do something less ordinary and demonstrate how far women have come since Scott’s 1912 expedition.”
When asked ‘Why did you choose the name ‘Polar Maidens’? Jan added, “Maidens, as you know, are ladies, but also the ‘maiden voyage’ of a ship is the first voyage and we feel this is the first expedition of ‘ordinary’ women.”
Whilst in Mumbai, the Maidens met and chatted with Paul Carter, the Deputy Head of Mission, at the British Deputy High Commission. He said “I’ve met the global team including Madhabilata, Tanvi and expedition leader Janice, and it is truly remarkable to see this ‘Living Bridge’ of people from the UK and India, brought together for their shared love for adventure. I’m delighted to see and support this spirit of collaboration.”
‘Living Bridge’ is an India and UK soft power initiative to promote closer trade, investment and cultural relations between the two countries. Jan said “Indian business and individuals have responded with pledges of funds and sponsorship we hope we will get the same enthusiastic and financial support in the UK.”
Previous to this, it was exciting to hear that the Indian Prime Minister singled out Tanvi and Madhabilta as examples of Indian enterprise in his recent State of the Nation address.
Make sure you follow our Polar Maidens journey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. #womenlessordinary
No Comments