During World War II, the Women's Royal Indian Naval Service (WRINS) marked a pivotal chapter in the history of Indian women’s contributions to the military. These women, often working behind the scenes, provided indispensable support through administrative duties, communications, and technical services, which were vital to the war effort. Their silent yet significant contributions not only bolstered naval operations but also paved the way for greater gender inclusion in the social milieu. At our Online Talk #NavalSheroes, researcher Janhavi Lokegaonkar delves into the formation and legacy of the WRINS, emphasizing the crucial roles played by women in the Royal Indian Navy's shore-based operations. By spotlighting the stories of these unsung heroines, she celebrates their resilience, dedication, and enduring impact on both naval history and women's empowerment in India.

About the speaker

Janhavi Lokegaonkar is a Senior Research Associate at the Maritime History Society (MHS), Mumbai – an academic initiative of the Western Naval Command, Indian Navy. She is pursuing a PhD at the Department of History, University of Mumbai. She is also engaged as a Visiting Faculty at the School of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the University of Mumbai. Maritime and naval history, urban history, migration and diaspora studies are her primary areas of interest. She has been actively presenting papers at various national and international conferences, has credible publications in the maritime domain and shoulders academic responsibilities at MHS.